Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability is a disorder that is present during early developmental stages, and can become particularly evident once a child begins learning within group settings such as childcare or school. These deficits in the intellectual functioning can look like, but are not limited to, communication, social playing with peers, difficulties in reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgement, academic and practical learning.

What can intellectual disability look like?

The following examples may be present if you suspect an individual or child has intellectual disability

Poor ability to organise day-to-day activity, e.g., scheduling tasks, completing chores, following a plan, completing projects.
Difficulty in communication with others especially within the same age group, e.g., having difficulties understanding peers, struggle to interact with others in a to-and-fro conversation, uses simple words to express meaning when compared to peers, difficulty in emotional regulation.
Difficulty in social skills such as making friends or maintaining friends, noticing social cues, identifying emotions in others.
Deficits in problem solving skills, e.g., difficulty with completing school work independently, lack of flexibility when solving problems and difficulty with adapting to change.
Difficulties managing self-care without prompts, e.g., requires reminders to shower/bath, brush hair, maintain good hygiene and have regular meals.
Difficulties in academic performance (e.g., reading and writing skills, maths, general knowledge etc.).
Difficulties managing money, poor ability to save and lack of understanding finances and responsibilities.

If you suspect you child may have a intellectual disability, please contact us on 1300 939 147 or email us at [email protected] for further information and support.