What is intellectual disability?
Intellectual disability is a condition that begins in childhood. It affects how a child learns from school and everyday experience, and their ability to plan, solve problems and make decisions.
It also affects everyday living skills, such as brushing, bathing, toileting, dressing and getting along with others.
Signs to look for
Development
- Delays in holding up the head, rolling over, crawling or walking
- Late to start speaking
- Delayed toilet training
- Slow to learn to eat, bathe or dress by themselves
Learning & behaviour
- Finding it hard to remember things
- Unable to follow more than two instructions at a time
- Difficulty with problem-solving and logical thinking
- Learning difficulties at school
- Frequent tantrums or frustration
What causes it?
Possible causes include genetic conditions; exposure to alcohol, drugs or harmful substances during pregnancy; lack of oxygen to the brain around birth or premature birth; certain infections; severe head injury; and extreme malnutrition. Sometimes no cause is found.
Can it be prevented?
Some causes can be prevented, or their effects reduced, through good care during pregnancy, avoiding smoking and alcohol, good nutrition, vaccination against certain infections, and genetic counselling where there is a family history.
How is it identified?
Doctors may arrange blood and urine tests, brain scans and a hearing check. A psychologist interviews parents, observes the child and assesses their thinking and everyday living skills. Developmental delays can be picked up from as early as 3 months of age.
What does the future look like?
This depends on how much the child is affected. Many people with mild to moderate intellectual disability learn to work and live independently. Others need support throughout life. In every case, early identification and support help a child reach their fullest potential.
The earlier support begins, the more a child can learn to do for themselves.
How is it supported?
Support is best provided by a team that may include a paediatrician, psychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and special educator. After assessment, an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) sets out goals for the child, and parents learn techniques to continue training at home.
How I can help
- Developmental screening and assessment of intelligence and everyday living skills
- Help planning goals and an individualised education plan
- Parent training in home techniques for self-care, communication and behaviour
- Behaviour management for tantrums and difficult behaviour
- Guidance on schooling and on which other specialists your child may need
- Counselling and support for parents
When to reach out
Speak to a professional if your baby or child is noticeably behind others of the same age in sitting, walking, talking or learning everyday skills. You do not need to wait to see if they catch up.
This guide is for general awareness and is not a diagnosis. Every child is different. Please consult a qualified professional about your child.