Intellectual disability, intellectual development disorder (IDD) or general learning disability is a disorder in which the development of the brain is slowed down. Compared to normal people, with this disability tend to lag behind when learning new things or taking part in certain activities. Intellectual disability services in Portsmouth are aimed at rehabilitating and improving the living standards of people affected.
According to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, a diagnosis of IDD is made when at least three factors are present. These persons are generally deficient in general intelligence. There intelligence quotient when measured is below 70. Affected people also present with poor adaptive behavior. Most importantly, the disorder must become apparent in childhood in order to differentiate from other mental illnesses 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.
There are a diverse number of organizations that provide services to persons with learning disorders. They range from nongovernmental, non profit making to those owned by the government and those that earn profit.the programs could be in form of a home with people employed to take care of those that need help. It may also be in form of a day school where children or adults attend following a particular schedule. Some systems are run as source of employment for people with disabilities.
Management of intellectual disability can be categorized into psycho-social, behavioral, cognitive behavioral or family related management. These services are not just provided by agencies but even the individual themselves and the community have their own part to play. Psycho-social treatment entails basic skills, exploration and acknowledging success. This is ideally done during the early preschool stages of the life of the child.
Behavioral treatment entails acquisition of social skills and language. Visual aids such as shapes and pictures are utilized under the leadership of a therapist. This not only equips the child with skills such smiling and following instructions but also communication and sharing. More technical stuff such as math can be introduced when psycho-social and behavioral treatments are combined.
Clinician come in when complications arise that require their attention. For example, extreme changes in mood among autistic children may require prescription of anti-psychotics and mood stabilizers. It is important to monitor for any side effects of these drugs as they may result in serious complications.
According to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, a diagnosis of IDD is made when at least three factors are present. These persons are generally deficient in general intelligence. There intelligence quotient when measured is below 70. Affected people also present with poor adaptive behavior. Most importantly, the disorder must become apparent in childhood in order to differentiate from other mental illnesses 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.
There are a diverse number of organizations that provide services to persons with learning disorders. They range from nongovernmental, non profit making to those owned by the government and those that earn profit.the programs could be in form of a home with people employed to take care of those that need help. It may also be in form of a day school where children or adults attend following a particular schedule. Some systems are run as source of employment for people with disabilities.
Management of intellectual disability can be categorized into psycho-social, behavioral, cognitive behavioral or family related management. These services are not just provided by agencies but even the individual themselves and the community have their own part to play. Psycho-social treatment entails basic skills, exploration and acknowledging success. This is ideally done during the early preschool stages of the life of the child.
Behavioral treatment entails acquisition of social skills and language. Visual aids such as shapes and pictures are utilized under the leadership of a therapist. This not only equips the child with skills such smiling and following instructions but also communication and sharing. More technical stuff such as math can be introduced when psycho-social and behavioral treatments are combined.
Clinician come in when complications arise that require their attention. For example, extreme changes in mood among autistic children may require prescription of anti-psychotics and mood stabilizers. It is important to monitor for any side effects of these drugs as they may result in serious complications.
