INTELLECTUAL AND

DEVELOPMENTAL
DISORDERS
ERLANDA ROMILUS

INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT DISORDER

Intellectual development disorder (IDD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in general
intellectual functioning such as reasoning, planning,
judgment, abstract thinking, academic learning and
experiential learning. These may also lead to impairments in
practical, social and academic functioning. The symptoms of
intellectual development disorder, a relatively new disorder,
formerly fell under the umbrella of "mental retardation.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR?

Children with intellectual development disorder learn more slowly than typically developing
children. These learning deficits generally apply to many kinds of learning and across different
developmental stages. Young children with the disorder may learn to sit up, crawl, walk or talk
later than other children. Most have difficulties developing communication skills as well as trouble
interpreting and applying new information. These children often have trouble keeping up in
school.

Older children with intellectual development disorder may demonstrate deficits in memory, social,
and problem-solving skills. A lack of social inhibitions may also be a sign that a child has this
disordernot because the child is "acting out" or "rebelling," but because he has difficulties
interpreting the signs as to what kinds of behavior are appropriate in a given situation.

Children with intellectual development disorder often have difficulty with adaptive skills, or tasks
of daily living, that typically children do not experience

RISK FACTORS
Risk factors include genetic syndromes, brain malformations,
environmental influences like alcohol or toxins, labor and
delivery-related issues, traumatic brain injury, infections,
seizure disorders, social deprivation, and more.

DIAGNOSIS
Standardized tests such as an IQ test are used to determine a child's
level of intellectual development. A score below 70 on a standardized
IQ test indicates that he may have intellectual development disorder.
To be officially diagnosed, one must also exhibit deficiencies in two or
more specific areas of adaptive behavior, such as communication
skills, interpersonal skills, or daily living skills like getting dressed and
using the bathroom. The onset of intellectual development disorder is
usually before birth unless it is accounted for by a specific injury or
toxic exposure before the age of 18.

TREATMENT
Intellectual development disorder is a lifelong disorder. It is
treated through management and rehabilitation programs
(including special education programs) aimed at helping
children with the disorder acquire adaptive skills so they can
live healthy, happy, relatively independent lives.

WORK CITED
Allen, E.,Cowdery G, The Exception Child.(7th ed)
http://
report.nih.gov/nihfactsheets/ViewFactSheet.aspx?csid=100

http://aaidd.org/intellectual-disability#.U17Hl_ldW4J