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Abstract
Intellectual disability (or intellectual development disorder) is characterized by deficits in cognitive and adaptive abilities that initially manifest during the developmental period. In the United States, the prevalence of intellectual disability is estimated to be between 1 and 3 out of every 100 individuals in the general population. Most individuals have mild intellectual disability, in whom the cause is generally not identified. A small percentage of individuals have severe deficits and they will need lifetime supports. The diagnosis of intellectual disability requires formal psychometric testing to assess the intelligence quotient and adaptive functioning. Management is based on providing general medical care, treatment of specific behavioral symptoms, early intervention, special education, and variable degrees of community-based supports.
Keywords: Intellectual disability, developmental disability, management
Introduction
Intellectual disability is also classified as intellectual developmental disorder, though both terms are preserved to be consistent with other classification systems (1-8). In any case, the definition is used to describe deficits in cognitive and adaptive functioning. Some authors in this context also use the term cognitive-adaptive disability. The evolution of the terminology from idiocy to mental retardation to intellectual disability (and now intellectual developmental disorder) is a reflection of a better understanding of the concept of cognition and cognitive deficits within the scientific as well as sociocultural contexts. Although the disorder is initially identified in infancy and early childhood years, it has lifelong implications for growth and development, education, ability to live independently, access health care, find employment, and need for community-based supports (2, 3).
In the United States, various Federal and State laws provide the framework and funding for intervention services, educational services, and other support services for individuals who have intellectual developmental disorder (9). In addition to medical evaluation and management, the physician plays a vital role in facilitating and coordinating the overall long-term management (10-12). This discussion reviews the definition, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of intellectual developmental disorder. We use the term intellectual disability or intellectual developmental disorder interchangeably.
Definition
According to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), intellectual disability "is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills" (6, 7). The assessment of intellectual functioning...