Compare and discuss the possible known causes of intellectual disabilities
What will be an ideal response?
ANSWER: Intellectual disabilities result from multiple causes, some known, many unknown (The
ARC, 2011a). Possible known causes of intellectual disabilities include genetic
conditions, problems during pregnancy, problems at birth, problems after birth, and
poverty-related deprivation. Genetic conditions may result from genes inherited from
parents, errors when genes combine, or from external factors, such as infections during
pregnancy or overexposure to X-rays. Excessive maternal use of alcohol or drugs or
exposure to certain environmental hazards, such as X-rays or insecticides, can damage
the child. Temporary oxygen deprivation, abnormal labor and delivery, neonatal seizures,
and head trauma at birth are examples of the types of problems during birth that can
occur. Not vaccinating against childhood diseases and injuries can also cause brain
damage. Children living in poverty are at higher risk for malnutrition, childhood diseases,
and exposure to environmental health hazards, and often receive inadequate health care.
Each of these factors increases the risk of intellectual disability.
Sociocultural causes may be attributed to both sociocultural and genetic factors.
Biomedical causes are biological processes such as genetic disorders or nutrition. These
include chromosomal abnormalities, metabolism and nutrition, and postnatal brain
disease. Behavioral causes, such as dangerous activities or maternal substance abuse,
can cause intellectual and other disabilities. Examples of behavioral causes are maternal
infection or intoxication, and traumas or physical accidents. Lastly unknown prenatal
influences such as anencephaly or hydrocephalus can result in severe disorders.
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