What is an intellectual disability?

It is a delay in learning, reasoning, and problem solving. Children with intellectual disabilities also have trouble with social and self-care skills. These skills are called adaptive functioning skills. Examples of such skills include:

• dressing.
• managing money.
• preparing and cooking meals.

What causes intellectual disabilities?

The cause may not be known. A child is more likely to have intellectual disabilities if they:

• have a genetic condition.
• were exposed to alcohol or drugs before they were born.
• had problems at birth, like a lack of oxygen or being born too early.

How can intellectual disabilities affect my child?

Children may:

• be slow to reach developmental milestones.
• need more time to learn how to do things for themselves, like eating and getting dressed.
• need more time to learn new things and to solve problems. Learning often levels off later in elementary school or middle school.
• have less interest in learning if work is not adjusted for them. This is because they get frustrated.
• have a hard time using what they learned in new settings. They need things clearly explained.
• have delays in social judgment. They are often innocent and trusting. They can be easily led by others.
• have a hard time with reading or counting and using money.
• act much younger than their age.
• need routine and lots of structure for success. Be consistent with them.
• have a hard time with emotions and behaviors. They may act out or be aggressive.

How can I help my child?

There is no cure, but there are many ways to help your child do their best.

At home

• Support independence. Help your child learn self-care skills like dressing and eating.
• Show your child what you want them to do when telling them.
• Talk with your child about what they are doing. Praise them when they do something well.
• Keep routines and structure. This will help your child know what to expect.

At school

• Work with your child’s school to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that lists goals for all major subject areas. Include needed special education services.
• Often extra supports like occupational therapy and speech and language are needed.
• A smaller class size can offer more personal support and is often part of an IEP.
• Model problem solving and new ideas.
• Use pictures.
• Review often so your child is able to understand and remember new ideas. This means moving slowly through school lessons.
• Give lessons in small chunks, with many breaks.
• Teach and practice life skills at school. These include social skills, self-care in the bathroom, hand washing, and counting money.

Resources

http://www.wifacets.org Offers parent support and information about special education in Wisconsin. English and Spanish.

http://www.lifenavigators.org/ Life Navigators offers family education and many support services. English only.

https://www.independencefirst.org/home IndependenceFirst has programs (leadership, social and peer groups, sexuality and dating workshops) for teens with intellectual disabilities and other developmental concerns. English only.

http://www.parentcenterhub.org/intellectual/ American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Spanish resources.