What is Intellectual Disability?

• Over half a million Australians have intellectual disability. 
• There are four levels of intellectual disability - mild, moderate, severe, and profound. 
• Almost 60 per cent of people with intellectual disability have severe communication limitations. 

Some of the most common causes of intellectual disability include: 

• Down Syndrome 
• Fragile X syndrome 
• Prader-Willi Syndrome 
• Rett Syndrome 
• Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder 
• Premature birth 
• Childhood brain injury

People with an intellectual disability often have difficulty with learning, reasoning and problem solving. It can also affect adaptive behaviour like independence, social skills and personal care. The age of onset for these conditions to occur is during the developmental period.

A formal assessment needs to be carried out for a child to be diagnosed with an intellectual disability. This is completed by a psychologist or qualified professional in the assessment of cognitive and adaptive behaviour.

References:
Reports And Statistics On Disability Services

Inclusion Australia