Important Points On Intellectual Disability Services

By Mattie Knight


Intellectual disability, intellectual development disorder (IDD) or general learning disability is a disorder in which the development of the brain is slowed down. Compared to normal people, with this disability tend to lag behind when learning new things or taking part in certain activities. Intellectual disability services in Portsmouth are aimed at rehabilitating and improving the living standards of people affected.

For a person to be diagnosed with intellectual disability, certain criterion is used according to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). First, individuals must be deficient in general mental capabilities. Secondly these individuals are usually unable to adapt to the social environment in terms of communication skills and so forth. These disorders should be observed in childhood. This serves as a distinction from other forms of brain function impairment such as dementia.

General learning impairment can be categorized either as syndromic or non syndromic. An underlying medical disorder is usually present in the syndromic type. One of the most common medical conditions associated with IDD include Down syndrome. Signs and symptoms of intellectual disability are related to delays or impaired social development. These individuals have poor language skills, poor memory and have difficulty in taking care of themselves.

Causes of intellectual disability may be divided into genetic, nutritional, environmental, behavioral causes and others. The genetic disorders associated with IDD are Klinefelter and Downs syndrome. Environmental causes include exposure to toxins such as lead. Behavioral causes are those seen in expectant mothers who take alcohol. Sometimes, pregnant women infected with rubella may pass the infection to the fetus if not promptly treated causing brain impairment. Malnutrition is a common causative factor in the developing world. In a few cases, the cause is unknown.

The setup of services offered for people with disabilities can take different forms. While some programs provide only day school rehabilitation, some run as a residential area for this people at the same time. Some take the extra step of helping these individuals obtain employment and even take care of their own families.

Management of intellectual disability can be categorized into psycho-social, behavioral, cognitive behavioral or family related management. These services are not just provided by agencies but even the individual themselves and the community have their own part to play. Psycho-social treatment entails basic skills, exploration and acknowledging success. This is ideally done during the early preschool stages of the life of the child.

Behavioral treatment entails acquisition of social skills and language. Visual aids such as shapes and pictures are utilized under the leadership of a therapist. This not only equips the child with skills such smiling and following instructions but also communication and sharing. More technical stuff such as math can be introduced when psycho-social and behavioral treatments are combined.

In as much as medical treatment is not the mainstay of management of general learning disorders, they come in handy when complications arise. An example is in autistic children who sometimes may experience uncontrollable behavioral states. Mood stabilizers may be given but close monitoring for any adverse reactions should be done.




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