Definition of Intellectual Disability

Intellectual Disability is a disability characterised by significant limitations in learning, problem solving, reasoning, and everyday practical and social skills. Intellectual Disability involves an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) at 70 or below. Intellectual Disability also involves functioning which is not at the level expected for an individual's peer group and culture. Depending on the extent of the limitation, an Intellectual Disability is known as a Mild, Moderate, Severe or Profound Intellectual Disability.

Symptoms of Intellectual Disability

An Intellectual Disability causes limitations in two or more areas: academic skills, communication, community resources usage, health, home living, leisure, safety, self care, self direction, social and interpersonal skills and work. Some individuals with an Intellectual Disability may be dependant, passive and placid, whereas others may be aggressive and impulsive. Individuals with an Intellectual Disability may be vulnerable to physical abuse, sexual abuse or being denied opportunities or rights.

 

Causes of Intellectual Disability

The causes of Intellectual Disability may be either biological or psychosocial - the interrelation of social factors and individual thought and behaviour. Sometimes the causes of an Intellectual Disability are both biological and psychosocial. When an Intellectual Disability is Mild or Moderate it may not be possible to determine the causes. When an Intellectual Disability is Severe or Profound, it is more possible to determine the causes.

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