Intellectual disability (ID) is impaired development of learning, reasoning, social, and life skills.

This article reviews ID, its causes, diagnosis, and related conditions.

It also offers coping tips for parents.

caregiver girl intellectual disability wheelchair

Martinbowra / Getty Images

Martinbowra / Getty Images

What Does Intellectual Disability Mean?

Symptoms of Intellectual Disability in Children

Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disability.

Children with disabilities may experience issues with:

Some children may always require assistance with these activities.

Chromosomal defects such as variants and inborn errors of metabolism can permanently alter cognitive function.

They can get you in touch with a developmental pediatrician.

Reach out to a public school or anearly intervention programfor information and support.

An IQ test score between 70 and 75 indicates that the individual experiences limitations in intellectual functioning.

IDD describes situations in which intellectual disability and other disabilities co-occur.

It can be challenging to identify these illnesses if the affected person has limited communication skills.

Federal laws provide for special education and accommodations in public schools.

Symptoms typically show up during childhood, although some manifest later in life.

Most affected people have mild ID, but disorders can also be moderate, severe, or profound.

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The arc

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