Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual disabilities are disabilities characterised by limitations of mental functioning and abilities, as well as adaptive function and behaviour, which covers many everyday social and practical skills.

What to know about intellectual disabilities

Intellectual disabilities are disabilities characterised by limitations of mental functioning and abilities, as well as adaptive function and behaviour, which covers many everyday social and practical skills. This type of disability develops before birth, during early childhood or adolescence (always before the age of 18).

A person with an intellectual disability may have more difficulty with practical and everyday aspects of life, like problem solving, practical understanding, reasoning, learning from example or instructions, abstract thinking, verbal communication, and working memory.

Intellectual disabilities are classified according to severity into four categories: mild, moderate, severe or profound. Each level comes with its own degree of intellectual, physical and adaptive functioning, and will require a specific level of support or care. Different intellectual disabilities have different causes, such as genetics (e.g. Down syndrome), illnesses (e.g. meningitis), brain trauma, or developmental disorders (e.g. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome).

Down Syndrome

What is down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a person being born with 47 chromosomes, instead of the normal 46. Having extra or abnormal chromosomes changes the way the brain and body develops, and this causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. Down syndrome causes distinct physical features, as well as moderate to mild intellectual disability.

General symptoms of Down syndrome include:

A short neck and short arms and legs

Mild to moderate intellectual disability

Low muscle tone and loose joints

Distinctive facial features, such as a flat face, small ears, slanting eyes, and a small mouth

Know more about down syndrome

Despite the fact that young people with Down syndrome have intellectual disabilities, they also have many individual strengths and talents. They should be given the opportunity to attend a school that is able to cater for their specific needs, work if they are able and willing to do so, participate in decisions that affect them, and have meaningful relationships. Special educational programs, a safe home environment, good health care and positive support from family, friends and their community can enable young people with Down syndrome to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder, and people who are born with the disorder do not need to be “cured” or “fixed.” They simply need care and support based on their specific needs. Ensuring that they receive the medical, physical and psychological care, treatment and stimulation they need from an early age will result in the highest possible quality of life. Beyond that, they should always be treated with dignity and respect.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

What is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a developmental disorder, characterised by a specific pattern of physical and mental birth deficiencies. This disorder is caused by alcohol consumption by pregnant mothers.

General symptoms of FAS to look out for:

Facial features – such as small eye openings, a thin upper lip, and a smooth philtrum (the groove between nose and upper lip).

Poor growth – new born babies with FAS may have low birth weights and small head sizes. They may not grow or gain weight as well as other children and may be short as adults.

Birth defects – babies and children with FAS may have heart, bone, and kidney problems, as well as bad eyesight and hearing loss.

Seizures and other neurological problems – for example poor balance and coordination.

Delayed development – children may not reach developmental milestones at the expected time.

Behavioural problems – FAS babies may be fussy or jittery, and have trouble sleeping. Older children and teens may have a lack of coordination and poor fine motor skills, poor social skills, varying degrees of intellectual disabilities, behavioural problems such as hyperactivity, poor attention and concentration, stubbornness, impulsiveness, and anxiety.

Know more about F.A.S

Not only does South Africa have very high alcohol consumption rates, we are also the country with the highest rate of FAS in the world. FAS is completely avoidable if the mother does not drink during pregnancy, and this is why it is so important that young women are educated about the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

The mental and physical damaged caused by FAS is irreversible, and there is no cure. But there are many things can be done to help a child born with FAS reach their full potential, especially when the condition is diagnosed early on.

Speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy

Special education services

Adult classes that help parents and other caregivers handle problem behaviours

Classes that teach children social skills

Counselling with a mental health professional

Doctors may also prescribe medicines to help with some of the mental health problems sometimes associated with FAS, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, aggressive behaviour, sleep problems, and anxiety.

Intellectual Disabilities