Understanding Intellectual Disability: Symptoms and Adaptive Skills

Intellectual disabilities

People with intellectual disabilities have trouble learning, understanding, and remembering information. They may have difficulty with language, reading, writing, and math. They may also have difficulty with social skills, such as understanding social cues and interacting with others.

Adaptive skills

Adaptive skills are the skills people need to live independently. These skills include personal care, such as bathing, dressing, and eating; household tasks, such as cleaning and cooking; and social skills, such as getting along with others and following rules. People with intellectual disabilities may have difficulty with one or more of these adaptive skills.

Physical health problems

People with intellectual disabilities are more likely to have physical health problems than people without intellectual disabilities. These health problems can include seizures, vision problems, hearing problems, and heart problems.

Mental health problems

People with intellectual disabilities are more likely to have mental health problems than people without intellectual disabilities. These mental health problems can include depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

The symptoms of intellectual disabilities can vary from person to person. Some people may have mild intellectual disabilities, while others may have severe intellectual disabilities. The symptoms of intellectual disabilities can also change over time.