Page 2 - Intellectual Disability

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability is a condition characterised by below
average intelligence which affects thinking, social
functioning, reasoning and activities of daily life. Such
individuals also have difculty in speaking and
communicating with others. The severity can vary from mild
to severe degree of reduced IQ.

Characteristics of individuals with

Intellectual Disability

Ÿ Poor attention, concentration and memory
Ÿ Delayed speech and language development
Ÿ Difculty in following instructions
Ÿ Difculty in learning social rules and rule based
games
Ÿ Lack of self-help skills such as eating, dressing and
toileting
Ÿ Difculty in learning new skills
Ÿ Difculty in problem solving
Ÿ Difculty in learning to read and write
Ÿ Difculty in speaking with correct pronunciation
Ÿ Restlessness and behavioural problems such as
biting, head banging, pinching, excessive fear,
temper tantrums etc.