Intellectual Disability in Children

Overview

Overview – Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (ID), previously referred to as mental retardation, is marked by below-average cognitive function and challenges in developing essential daily living skills. Individuals with intellectual disabilities can learn new skills, though at a slower pace, often benefiting from early and consistent intellectual disability treatment in Jaipur. The condition ranges in severity from mild to profound. The term “mental retardation” is now considered outdated and offensive, so it has been replaced with more respectful language.

Disability

What is Intellectual Disability?

Intellectual disability is characterized by limitations in two key areas:

• Intellectual Functioning: Also known as IQ, this involves a person’s ability to learn, reason, make decisions, and solve problems.
• Adaptive Behavior: These are everyday skills needed for independent living, such as effective communication, social interaction, and self-care.

IQ, or intelligence quotient, is assessed through standardized tests, where an average score is 100, with most people falling between 85 and 115. An IQ below 70 to 75 typically indicates intellectual disability.

To assess a child’s adaptive behavior, specialists evaluate their daily skills in comparison to peers of the same age. This evaluation might include observing how well the child can perform tasks like feeding or dressing themselves, their ability to communicate and understand others, and their social interactions with family, friends, and peers. Access to early intellectual disability treatment in Jaipur can make a significant difference in how effectively these skills are developed.

Intellectual disability is estimated to affect about 1% of the population, with 85% of those cases being mild. Individuals with mild intellectual disability may learn new skills a bit more slowly but can often live independently as adults with appropriate support.

Intellectual Disability

What Are the Signs of Intellectual Disability in Children?

Signs of intellectual disability can vary widely and may become noticeable at different stages, from infancy to school age, depending on the severity. Common signs include:

• Delays in milestones like rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking
• Late development of speech or difficulty communicating
• Slow progress in tasks such as potty training, dressing, and feeding themselves
• Trouble with memory
• Difficulty understanding how actions lead to consequences
• Behavioral issues, such as frequent tantrums
• Challenges with problem-solving and logical thinking

Children with severe or profound intellectual disabilities may also experience additional health issues, such as seizures, mood disorders (like anxiety or autism), motor skill impairments, or vision and hearing problems, making early intellectual disability treatment in Jaipur essential for managing both developmental and associated health challenges.

Causes

What Causes Intellectual Disability?

Intellectual disability can occur when something disrupts normal brain development. Understanding these causes is essential for early intellectual disability treatment in Jaipur, though the exact cause is identified in only about one-third of cases.

Common causes include:

• Genetic Conditions: Disorders like Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome, among others.
• Problems During Pregnancy: Factors such as alcohol or drug use, malnutrition, infections, or preeclampsia that impact fetal brain development.
• Complications During Childbirth: Intellectual disability may result from oxygen deprivation during birth or extreme prematurity.
• Illness or Injury: Conditions like meningitis, whooping cough, severe head injuries, near-drowning, extreme malnutrition, brain infections, toxic exposures (e.g., lead), and severe neglect or abuse can all contribute to intellectual disability.
• As comorbidity in neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, ADHD, Generalized Epilepsy, among others
• In about two-thirds of children with intellectual disabilities, the cause remains unknown.

Intellectual

How Is Intellectual Disability Diagnosed?

• Intellectual disability can be suspected for various reasons. If a baby shows physical signs of a genetic or metabolic disorder, diagnostic tests may be conducted, such as blood and urine tests, brain imaging, or an electroencephalogram (EEG) to check for seizures.
• In cases where developmental delays are present, doctors first rule out other conditions like hearing issues or neurological disorders. If no other underlying cause is identified, the child is then referred for comprehensive testing to evaluate intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors. Early access to Intellectual disability treatment in Jaipur can support this evaluation process and help plan timely intervention.
• Three key factors are involved in diagnosing intellectual disability: interviews with the parents, observation of the child, and assessments of intelligence and adaptive behaviors. A child is diagnosed with intellectual disability if deficits are present in both IQ and adaptive behaviors beyond 5 years of age, before which the child is said to have Global Developmental Delay. If only one area shows a deficit, the diagnosis does not apply.
• Once a diagnosis is confirmed, a team of professionals evaluates the child’s strengths and weaknesses to identify the specific type and level of support needed for success at home, school, and within the community.

Support

Steps to Support Your Child with Intellectual Disability

• Educate yourself about intellectual disabilities. The more informed you are, the better you can advocate for your child’s needs, especially when exploring options like Intellectual disability treatment in Jaipur.
• Foster independence. Encourage your child to try new tasks and do things on their own, offering guidance when necessary and celebrating successes as they learn and grow.
  Involve your child in group activities. Participating in activities like art classes or Scouts can help them develop social skills and build friendships.
• Stay actively engaged. Regular communication with your child’s teachers allows you to track progress and reinforce lessons at home.
• Providing psychological support to your child with intellectual disability
• Connect with other parents. Building relationships with parents of children with intellectual disabilities can provide valuable advice and emotional support.

Treatment in Jaipur

Get an Intellectual Disability Treatment in Jaipur

Contact Dr. Shikha Garg (Developmental Pediatrician)
Diploma in Developmental Neurology

If you’re seeking Intellectual Disability Treatment in Jaipur, consider reaching out to Dr. Shikha Garg, a specialized developmental pediatrician with a diploma in developmental neurology. Dr. Garg offers comprehensive evaluations and tailored treatment plans to support children with intellectual disabilities. Her expertise in developmental neurology allows her to address a range of needs, from diagnosing conditions to recommending appropriate interventions and therapies. By contacting Dr. Garg, you can ensure that your child receives expert care and personalized support to enhance their development and quality of life. Her dedicated approach helps families navigate the complexities of intellectual disabilities, offering hope and practical solutions for better outcomes. For professional guidance and compassionate care, Dr. Shikha Garg is a trusted resource.