Intellectual Disability And Its Identifications

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In this paper, it discusses Intellectual Disability and its identifications. This is a research conducted to further understand the disability stages, its symptoms, causes and how to care for those affiliated with the Disability. Utilizing information gathered from the internet, this research paper contains compiled information on educating people about the importance of intellectual disability.

Intellectual Disability

Studies have shown, roughly 4.6 million people in the United States are identified as having an intellectual disability. Intellectual disability, previously known as mental retardation, means that an individual mentally develops at a below-average rate. These individuals can have learning difficulties and trouble socially adjusting. By identifying and understanding these individuals’ disability, we as community can both benefit from understanding both parties’ perspectives. Being educated about the best response offered to an individual helps create a better and positive environment.

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Background

Individuals with Intellectual Disability have been around for the longest of times. According to an article on its history, it is stated that some of the very first references to intellectual disability date back to the ancient Egyptians. The ancient Romans and Greeks viewed that children are born with an intellectual disability because the gods are angry. Many of these children were simply left to die in the wild as a result. In the Middle Ages, people with intellectual disabilities were sometimes employed, willingly or not, as jesters whose sole purpose was to entertain the upper class. It wasn’t until the 1700s and 1800s that more serious and suitable forms of interventions for people with intellectual disabilities began. For example, a program established in Salpetriere Hospital in Paris, France by Edouard Seguin. This program utilized behavioral management techniques and individualized instruction for people with such disorders (History of Intellectual Disability, 2019).

Intellectually disabled individuals are not new around here. They have always been around and were often ridiculed within the past times. Given that it is now the 21st century, it is astounding how much has change and improved in terms of conditions offered to these individuals. Intellectual Disabled people are people first. They just so happen to have a disability. They have as much right to be treated as equally and fairly as possible as any other living individual. As society moves forward, intellectually disabled individuals should feel just as comfortable as anyone else roaming around on this land.

Causes. Intellectual disability affects about 1% to 3% of the population. There are many causes of intellectual disability, but doctors find a specific reason in only 25% of cases (Intellectual Disability, 2019). Causes of intellectual disability includes a few of the following: Infections that can occur present at birth or after birth, Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, trauma before and after birth, exposure to alcohol such as: cocaine, amphetamines, and other drugs, and sometimes, doctors do not know the reason for the person’s intellectual disability.

The statistics given indicates most cases can occur at a young age and sometimes it can be genetically inherited. By understanding what can lead to intellectually disability within children, other measures can be limited given the proper education. Studies shows that cases of intellectual disability can begin even before birth due to drugs or trauma. Realizing this information, people should know that these are cautions that should be approached when thinking about having healthy children. By eliminating uses of alcohol and drugs, there would be bigger possibility of having healthier children. No parents or guardian want to go through stages of their children hurting. As a parent, all they want for their children is to be able to live a happy and healthy life. By ensuring that risks of their health are eliminated, children are given a better chance of being able to receive that goal.

Signs. There are many different signs of intellectual disability in children. Signs may appear during infancy, or they may not be noticeable until a child reaches school age. It often depends on the severity of the disability. Some of the most common signs of intellectual disability are: Rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking late, talking late or having trouble with talking, difficulty remembering things, behavior problems such as explosive tantrums, and lastly difficulty with problem-solving or logical thinking. Children with severe or profound intellectual disability, there may be other health problems as well. These problems may include seizures, mood disorders (anxiety, autism, etc.), motor skills impairment, vision problems, or hearing problems (Bhandari, 2018).

Signs of Intellectual Disability can be noted at even the youngest of ages. By identifying these signs, parents or guardians of these individuals will have a better understanding on the needs of their children and ways they can assist alongside them. Caring parents would look for these signs and then have options on how he or she can cater to their child’s needs. All children function on their own terms and some might be faster or slower than others, but applying this information, they can have a healthier relationship with their child. The best thing a parent can do for their child is guiding them to be able to stand on their own later on life. Intellectually disabled individuals might take more effort than other children but that is the role of a guardian. To be there guide a child when assistance is needed from them.

Assisting. According to McKenzie’s findings, intellectually disabled patients wants to be seen as a person, and not in terms of their ID. Many people with ID will have a range of difficulties that make it harder for them to express their needs, describe their symptoms and recall information that is needed to assess their health. Some may find it hard to attend to, remember, process, understand and act on health information that is given to them. Patients may avoid, minimize or deny their difficulties because of embarrassment or fear of stigma. Using some of the strategies outlined previously may help reduce the impact of these difficulties (McKenzie, 2016).

Being patient is the main key to being able to assist any patient. In the case of intellectually disabled individuals, they just need more time than the average child because it takes time for them to be able to adjust to certain situations. Once they are able to get the hang of it, then it should be smooth sailing until the next task arises. If assisting a patient with an intellectual disability is a person calling, then there are career paths offer along the way as well. Being a caregiver means being able to assist a patient every step along the way which takes a lot of courage, time and support.

Conclusion

Being educated on the importance of intellectual disability can better help the community assist and adjust for better ways that can benefit the individuals having this disability. Intellectual disability are just people with a disability who wants to feel and be treated as normally as anyone else. Their disability should not define their capabilities or limit their success. These individuals are some of the most hardworking individuals and they should be acknowledged for their perseverance. All this information leads to one path and that is being educated about the matter. There are intellectually disabled individuals all around us and have always been. Understanding this concept can help widen everyone’s’ perspective on the subject of intellectual disability and its importance not only to the individual but the community as a whole. 

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