Describe the diagnostic criteria for an intellectual disability, explain why emotional support from others is so important for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and discuss the biological and environmental causes of this condition

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer will include that according to the definition listed in the American Psychiatric Association's new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) begins at an IQ of approximately 70 or below. However, a person's ability to perform adaptive behaviors (basic skills such as dressing, eating, communicating, shopping, and working) is more important in evaluating this disability. It is especially important to realize that intellectually disabled persons have no handicap where feelings are concerned. They are easily hurt by rejection, teasing, or ridicule. Likewise, they respond warmly to love and acceptance. They have a right to self-respect and a place in the community. This is especially important during childhood, when support from others adds greatly to the person's chances of becoming a well-adjusted member of society. Intellectual disability can be caused by a wide range of factors. Some of the most common are genetic abnormalities, fetal damage, birth injuries, and postnatal problems. A variety of genetic abnormalities, such as missing genes, extra genes, or defective genes, can result in an intellectual disability. For example, Down syndrome children have an extra 21st chromosome. This condition, which is called trisomy-21, results from flaws in the parents' egg or sperm cells. Although Down syndrome is genetic, it is not usually hereditary (it doesn't "run in the family"). In contrast, children with PKU (phenylketonuria) have an inherited inability to control a destructive chemical that builds up in their bodies. The developing fetus can also be damaged by a variety of teratogens such as disease, infection, or drugs. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), caused by heavy drinking during pregnancy, is, unfortunately, one of the most common causes of intellectual disability. Birth injuries such as a lack of oxygen during delivery or an overly premature delivery can also result in intellectual disabilities. Malnutrition and exposure to lead, PCBs, and other toxins early in childhood can cause organic intellectual disabilities. In many cases, no known biological problem can be identified. Often, other family members are also mildly intellectually disabled. Familial intellectual disability, as this is called, occurs mostly in very poor households where nutrition, intellectual stimulation, medical care, and emotional support may be inadequate.