Intellectual Disability (Cognitive Disability, Developmental Disability, Mental Retardation)

Head Injury in Child 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. Risk FactorsA risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. A child could be at higher risk for intellectual disability due to any of the causes listed above, or due to mental retardation in other family members. If you are concerned that your child is at risk, tell your child's doctor. SymptomsSymptoms appear before a child reaches age 18 and vary depending on the degree of the intellectual disability. If you think your child has any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to intellectual disability. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If your child experiences any one of them, contact your pediatrician. Symptoms include: Learning and developing more slowly than other children the same ageDifficulty communicating or socializing with othersLower than average scores on IQ testsTrouble learning in schoolInability to do everyday things like getting dressed or using the bathroom without helpDifficulty hearing, seeing, walking, or talkingInability to think logicallyThe following categories are often used to describe the level of intellectual disability, according to the American Family Physician:

MildIQ 50-70Slower than normal in all areasNo unusual physical signsCan acquire practical skillsReading and math skills up to grades 3-6Can conform sociallyCan acquire daily task skillsIntegrated in society ModerateIQ 35-49Noticable delays, particularly speechMay have unusual physical signsCan learn simple communicationCan learn elementary health and safety skillsCan participate in simple activities and self-careCan perform supervised tasksCan travel alone to familiar places SevereIQ 20-34Significant delays in some areas; may walk lateLittle or no communication skills, but some understanding of speech with some responseCan be taught daily routines and repetitive activitiesMay be trained in simple self-careNeed direction and supervision socially ProfoundIQ <20Significant delays in all areasCongenital abnormalities presentNeed close supervisionRequires attendant careMay respond to regular physical and social activityNot capable of self care Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about your childs symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Standardized tests may be given that measure: IntelligenceIQ tests measure a persons ability to do things such as think abstractly, learn, and solve problems. A child may have intellectual disability if he or she has an IQ score of 70 or below. Adaptive behaviorThese are skills needed to function in everyday life, including: Conceptual skills like reading and writingSocial skills like responsibility and self-esteemPractical skills like the ability to eat, use the bathroom, and get dressedBecause children with mental retardation have a higher risk for other disabilities (such as hearing impairment, visual problems, seizures, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or orthopaedic conditions), additional testing may be needed to check for other conditions that may require treatment.

Treatment Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment is most helpful if it begins early in life. Treatment includes: Family counselingHuman development training (eg, emotional skills, hand-eye coordination, etc.)Special education programsLife skills training (eg, preparing food, bathing, etc.)Job coachingSocial opportunitiesHousing services Prevention To help reduce your childs chance of becoming mentally retarded, take the following steps: During pregnancy: Dont smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs.Eat a healthful dietone that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.Add extra folic acid to your diet.See your doctor regularly. After birth: Have your newborn screened for conditions that may produce mental retardation.Have your child properly immunized.Schedule regular visits to the pediatrician.Use child safety seats and bicycle helmets.Remove lead-based paint from your home.Keep poisonous household products out of reach.Avoid aspirin use. Aspirin is not recommended for children with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving a child aspirin. RESOURCES: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

http://www.aamr.org/ The Arc of the United Stateshttp://www.thearc.org/ Disabilities Home PageThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)http://www.cdc.gov/ Intellectual Disabilitieshttp://www.intellectualdisability.info/ CANADIAN RESOURCES: About Kids Healthhttp://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/ Special Olympics Canadahttp://www.specialolympics.ca/ References: American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities website. Available at: http://www.aamr.org/Policies/faq_intellectual_disability.shtml. Accessed April 30, 2008. Causes and prevention of mental retardation. The Arc website. Available at: http://www.thearc.org/faqs/causesandprev.pdf. Accessed July 15, 2005. Daily D, Ardinger H, Holmes G. Identification and evaluation of mental retardation. American Family Physician website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000215/1059.html. Definition of mental retardation and mental retardation fact sheet. American Association on Mental Retardation website. Available at: http://www.aamr.org/Policies/faq_mental_retardation.shtml. Accessed July 15, 2005. Intellectual disability. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/ddmr.htm. Accessed April 30, 2008.

Introduction to mental retardation. The Arc website. Available at http://www.thearc.org/faqs/intromr.pdf . Accessed July 15, 2005. Mental retardation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/ddmr.htm. Accessed July 15, 2005. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 17th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2004. Questions and answers about persons with intellectual disabilities in the workplace. US Equal Employment Opportunities Commission website. Available at: http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/intellectual_disabilities.html. Accessed April 30, 2008. Last reviewed May 2008 by Theodor B. Rais, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.