Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)
Intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) also known as intellectual disability is a disorder which begins during the developmental period and is characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. IDD is diagnosed by both clinical assessment and standardized intelligence testing (i.e., IQ test).
Limitations in intellectual functioning can include difficulties with thinking and learning in areas such as reasoning, solving problems, planning, understanding complex ideas, making good decisions, and learning from experiences.
Adaptive behavior are everyday skills that are learned and the ability to carry out age-appropriate daily life activities. There are three areas of adaptive functioning: conceptual, social, practical. Conceptual includes language, reading, writing, math, reasoning, knowledge, and memory. Social includes empathy, social judgment, communication skills, the ability to follow rules and the ability to make and keep friendships. Finally, practical entails independence in areas such as personal care, job responsibilities, managing money, recreation, and organizing school and work tasks.
Symptoms in Children
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Sitting up, crawling, or walking later than other children of similar age
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Slower learning of toilet training
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Slower learning of self-care activities (i.e., bathing, dressing, brushing teeth)
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Lack of curiosity or interest in the environment
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Difficulty understanding and following instructions
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Slower social development
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Lack of “stranger danger” behaviors
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Difficulty regulating emotions and behaviors
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Difficulty letting others know their needs
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Delayed speech and language development, limited vocabulary, difficulty understanding and using grammar.
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Academic difficulties in school and struggles to keep up at school
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Difficulty remembering and/or applying new information
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Have trouble solving problems
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Slow reading
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Difficulty with spelling and writing
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Intelligence Related Symptoms
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Delayed or slowed learning of any kind
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Difficulty understanding simple instructions or concepts
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Difficulties with reasoning, logic, and or abstract thinking
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Problems with judgment and critical thinking
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Difficulty problem solving, decision making, and planning
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Difficulty understanding systems such as the need to pay for things, time, or how to use a phone
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Difficulty understanding the results or consequences of their actions
Social Related Symptoms
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Trouble making friends and interacting with peers
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Challenges in understanding and following social rules
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Trouble understanding social boundaries
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Difficulty learning from experience
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Limited understanding of social interactions, including friendships and romantic relationships
Adaptive Behavior Related Symptoms
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Problem with personal care and managing daily activities independently
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Needing help with managing finances, healthcare including appointments and medications
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Trouble understanding concepts like time management and money
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Difficulty learning how to do chores or other common tasks
Interventions and Services
Intellectual disability is a life-long condition. However, early and ongoing intervention may improve functioning and enable the person to thrive throughout their lifetime. Once a diagnosis of intellectual disability is made, help for individuals with intellectual disability is focused on looking at the individual’s strengths and needs, and the supports he or she needs to function at home, in school/work and in the community.
Services for people with intellectual disabilities and their families can provide support to allow full inclusion in the community. Many different types of treatments and services can help, such as:
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Treatment of medical complications.
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General preventive medical care.
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Treatment of co-morbid medical and mental health conditions.
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Treatment of challenging behaviors.
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Rehabilitation services.
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Early intervention (infants and toddlers).
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Special education.
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Family support (for example, respite care support groups for families).
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Transition services from childhood to adulthood.
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Vocational programs.
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Day programs for adults.
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Housing and residential options.
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Case management.