The term intellectual disability is used interchangeably with other terms such as intellectual development disorder (IDD) and general learning disability. The term mental retardation was initially but was dropped due to the stigma attached to it. IDD can be defined as intelligence that is lower than average. People with this kind of disorder have a bigger challenge in terms of dealing with issues that affect their daily lives. With the availability of intellectual disability services, they are able to overcome challenges and learn new skills.There are a number of things on IDD diagnosis and treatment Portsmouth residents should know.
For a person to be diagnosed with intellectual disability, certain criterion is used according to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). First, individuals must be deficient in general mental capabilities. Secondly these individuals are usually unable to adapt to the social environment in terms of communication skills and so forth. These disorders should be observed in childhood. This serves as a distinction from other forms of brain function impairment such as dementia.
General learning impairment can be categorized either as syndromic or non syndromic. An underlying medical disorder is usually present in the syndromic type. One of the most common medical conditions associated with IDD include Down syndrome. Signs and symptoms of intellectual disability are related to delays or impaired social development. These individuals have poor language skills, poor memory and have difficulty in taking care of themselves.
IDD can be attributed to a number of factors but the most common is genetic derangement as seen in conditions such as Downs, fragile X and Klinefelter syndrome. Malnutrition is a major contributory factor in the African continent due to poverty and lack of awareness. Other global causes include fetal alcohol syndrome, rubella syndrome in a pregnant mother, accidental poisonous substances such as lead, among others.
The setup of services offered for people with disabilities can take different forms. While some programs provide only day school rehabilitation, some run as a residential area for this people at the same time. Some take the extra step of helping these individuals obtain employment and even take care of their own families.
Every person has a role to play in rehabilitating persons with IDD, starting from the guardian to the clinician, to members of the community. Their role may fall under any four groups including behavioral, psycho-social, family based and cognitive treatment. Psycho-social intervention is done early in the life of a child before they start going to school. Children are taught simple skills, they are given the freedom of exploring and are trained the same thing over and over again until they master the given skill. They are also rewarded whenever they achieve a certain goal.
Language and social skills come in during the behavioral stage of treatment. With the help of a therapist, children are taught using pictures, shapes and other related tools. Some of the skills acquired during this stage especially among older children include sharing, smiling, following instruction and communication. At a higher level, behavioral and psycho-social are combined. At this level, the memory of the individual is challenged by introducing teaching in math, language and so on.
In as much as medical treatment is not the mainstay of management of general learning disorders, they come in handy when complications arise. An example is in autistic children who sometimes may experience uncontrollable behavioral states. Mood stabilizers may be given but close monitoring for any adverse reactions should be done.
For a person to be diagnosed with intellectual disability, certain criterion is used according to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). First, individuals must be deficient in general mental capabilities. Secondly these individuals are usually unable to adapt to the social environment in terms of communication skills and so forth. These disorders should be observed in childhood. This serves as a distinction from other forms of brain function impairment such as dementia.
General learning impairment can be categorized either as syndromic or non syndromic. An underlying medical disorder is usually present in the syndromic type. One of the most common medical conditions associated with IDD include Down syndrome. Signs and symptoms of intellectual disability are related to delays or impaired social development. These individuals have poor language skills, poor memory and have difficulty in taking care of themselves.
IDD can be attributed to a number of factors but the most common is genetic derangement as seen in conditions such as Downs, fragile X and Klinefelter syndrome. Malnutrition is a major contributory factor in the African continent due to poverty and lack of awareness. Other global causes include fetal alcohol syndrome, rubella syndrome in a pregnant mother, accidental poisonous substances such as lead, among others.
The setup of services offered for people with disabilities can take different forms. While some programs provide only day school rehabilitation, some run as a residential area for this people at the same time. Some take the extra step of helping these individuals obtain employment and even take care of their own families.
Every person has a role to play in rehabilitating persons with IDD, starting from the guardian to the clinician, to members of the community. Their role may fall under any four groups including behavioral, psycho-social, family based and cognitive treatment. Psycho-social intervention is done early in the life of a child before they start going to school. Children are taught simple skills, they are given the freedom of exploring and are trained the same thing over and over again until they master the given skill. They are also rewarded whenever they achieve a certain goal.
Language and social skills come in during the behavioral stage of treatment. With the help of a therapist, children are taught using pictures, shapes and other related tools. Some of the skills acquired during this stage especially among older children include sharing, smiling, following instruction and communication. At a higher level, behavioral and psycho-social are combined. At this level, the memory of the individual is challenged by introducing teaching in math, language and so on.
In as much as medical treatment is not the mainstay of management of general learning disorders, they come in handy when complications arise. An example is in autistic children who sometimes may experience uncontrollable behavioral states. Mood stabilizers may be given but close monitoring for any adverse reactions should be done.
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