What Is an Intellectual Disability?
- Intellectual disability (or ID) is a term used when a person has certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including communication, social and self-care skills. These limitations can cause a child to develop and learn more slowly or differently than a typically developing child. Intellectual disability can happen any time before a child turns 18 years old, even before birth.
- Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disability.
- According to the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, an individual has an intellectual disability if he or she meets three criteria:
- IQ is below 70-75
- There are significant limitations in two or more adaptive areas (skills that are needed to live, work, and play in the community, such as communication or self-care)
- The condition manifests itself before the age of 18
LEARN MORE ABOUT INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
- What is Intellectual Disability? Intellectual disability (ID) is a term used to describe a person with certain limitations in cognitive functioning and other skills, including communication and self-care.
- Fragile X Syndrome - Fragile X is a genetic condition that affects a person’s development, especially behavior and the ability to learn.
- Down Syndrome - Down syndrome describes a set of cognitive and physical symptoms that result from having an extra copy or part of a copy of chromosome 21.
- Autism - Autism is a complex neurological and developmental condition that affects how a person learns, communicates, and interacts with others.
- Other Intellectual Disabilities - There are many other types of intellectual disabilities—some have known causes, while others remain unknown.
Resources to Start Your Education
The Sexual Assault Epidemic No One Talks About
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Information and Technology Assistance on the Americans with Disability Act
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Why are People With Developmental Disabilities at Higher Risk for Injury?
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Dismantling Systemic Barriers: Reenvisioning Equity and Inclusion
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