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The document provides information on intellectual disabilities, including: [1] The definition of intellectual disability under IDEA, which involves limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior originating before age 18. [2] Categories of intellectual disability classified by IQ and characteristics - mild, moderate, severe and profound. [3] Common characteristics of intellectual disability like delays in developmental milestones and difficulty with problem-solving, comprehension and tasks. [4] Criteria for intellectual disability under IDEA includes significantly below average intellectual functioning and deficits in adaptive behavior impacting educational performance. [5] Potential causes can include genetic conditions, pregnancy/birth issues, problems after birth, poverty and cultural factors.

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48 views

CD Resource Page 1

The document provides information on intellectual disabilities, including: [1] The definition of intellectual disability under IDEA, which involves limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior originating before age 18. [2] Categories of intellectual disability classified by IQ and characteristics - mild, moderate, severe and profound. [3] Common characteristics of intellectual disability like delays in developmental milestones and difficulty with problem-solving, comprehension and tasks. [4] Criteria for intellectual disability under IDEA includes significantly below average intellectual functioning and deficits in adaptive behavior impacting educational performance. [5] Potential causes can include genetic conditions, pregnancy/birth issues, problems after birth, poverty and cultural factors.

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Special Education Resource Guide Disability Fact Sheet

Intellectual Disability Cognitive Disability


1. Definition of Intellectual Disability/cognitive disabilities.

Definition of Intellectual Disability under IDEA. Until Rosas Law was signed into law by President
Obama in October 2010, IDEA used the term mental retardation instead of intellectual disability.
Rosas Law changed the term to be used in future to intellectual disability. The definition itself,
however, did not change:
Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations in
both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and
practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18.

2. List and describe categories (classifications).


Mild intellectual disability
IQ 50 to 70
Slower than typical in all developmental areas
No unusual physical characteristics
Able to learn practical life skills
Attains reading and math skills up to grade levels 3 to 6
Able to blend in socially
Functions in daily life
Moderate intellectual disability
IQ 35 to 49
Noticeable developmental delays (i.e. speech, motor skills)
May have physical signs of impairment (i.e. thick tongue)
Can communicate in basic, simple ways
Able to learn basic health and safety skills
Can complete self-care activities
Can travel alone to nearby, familiar places
Severe intellectual disability
IQ 20 to 34
Considerable delays in development
Understands speech, but little ability to communicate
Able to learn daily routines
May learn very simple self-care
Needs direct supervision in social situations
Profound intellectual disability
IQ less than 20
Significant developmental delays in all areas
Obvious physical and congenital abnormalities
Requires close supervision
Requires attendant to help in self-care activities
May respond to physical and social activities
Not capable of independent living

3. List and describe characteristics of intellectual disability.


Delay in reaching developmental milestones such as sitting up and talking
Difficulty remembering things
Trouble comprehending accepted social behaviors and/or understanding the consequences
to actions
Poor problem-solving skills
Trouble understanding new concepts
Inappropriate behavior
Limited vocabulary
Difficulty accomplishing complex tasks

4. Describe Federal (IDEA) or state criteria for the category. Note: MUST cite source of information.

Intellectual disability, formerly labeled mental retardation, is defined by the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as significantly sub average general intellectual functioning, existing
concurrently [at the same time] with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the
developmental period, that adversely affects a childs educational performance. There are two key
components within this definition: a students IQ and his or her capability to function
independently, usually referred to as adaptive behavior.
http://www.specialeducationguide.com/disability-profiles/intellectual-disability/

5. Discuss at least three causes or possible causes of disabilities.


Genetic Conditions- intellectual disabilities caused by genetics come from abnormal genes.
Parents may pass these abnormal genes on to children or errors could arise when genes
combine in the womb that causes intellectual disabilities. Abnormal genes can occur from
infections during pregnancy or from things like overexposure to radiation from X-rays.
Pregnancy Issues- pregnant mothers who use alcohol or drugs during pregnancy put their
developing babies at risk for intellectual disability. In fact, one of the best ways to decrease
the risk of intellectual disabilities involves completely avoiding alcohol during pregnancy.
Smoking during pregnancy can also increase the risk that a baby will have an intellectual
disability.
Issues During Birth- premature birth and low birth weight represent risk factors and often
indicate more serious problems to come. Sometimes oxygen deprivation or other injuries
occur during the birthing process and subsequently causes intellectual disabilities.
Problems After Birth- sometimes childhood diseases can damage the brain causing
characteristics of intellectual disabilities. Further, injuries like a head injury or near drowning
can cause a child to develop intellectual disability symptoms.
Poverty and cultural factors- children who live in poverty have a much higher risk of
exposure to environmental toxins, diseases and experiencing malnutrition. These things all
increase the risk that a child may develop characteristics of intellectual disabilities. Also, those
living in poverty may miss out on important cultural and educational experiences available to
other kids.
6. List and describe at least one resource specific to mental retardation/cognitive disabilities. Note:
A resource is not an article on the Internet, but an organization specific to this disability category
would be appropriate.

Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities,
skills and success. Our athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment -- on the playing field and in life. They
also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human
talents and potential. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and
athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience
joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics
athletes and the community.
http://www.specialolympics.org

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