INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Down syndrome– is a genetic condition in which the child inherits all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. Children with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. The consequences of Down syndrome include mental retardation, memory and speech problems, limited vocabulary, and slow motor development. They may also have congenital eye, ear, and heart defects and are usually characterized by a number of distinctive physical features, including a sloping forehead, protruding tongue, short stubby limbs, slightly flattened nose, and almond-shaped eyes. Although intellectually impaired, these children reach many of the same developmental milestones as normal children, though at a slower pace. Most of these children learn to care for their basic needs, and some learn to read and write. Developmental progress appears to be best when parents and other family members strive to include the children in most family activities, are patient and work hard to properly stimulate them, and provide them with lots of emotional support. It is the only disorder that can be detected as early from the mother’s womb.

Worried that your child might be affected by Down syndrome:

1. Does your child exhibit unusual facial features like short neck, flattened face and nose, small head, ears, and mouth and upward slanting eyes?
2. Does your child experience difficulty with intellectual activities (e.g. reasoning, problem solving, planning, abstract thinking, learning)?
3. Does your child exhibit poor adaptive functioning, failure to meet developmental milestones related to independence and responsibility, and limited functioning in one or more daily life activities (e.g. communication, social participation) across multiple environments (e.g. school, home)?
4. Does your child experience difficulty in developing, maintaining and understanding relationships (e.g. difficulties adjusting behaviour in different social settings, lack of interest in or understanding of peers and social play activities)?
5. Do you feel that your child does not behave adequately as per his age?

Services, we provide that can help your child and you:

• IQ Assessment
• Behaviour Therapy
• Special Education
• Skill Training

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Intellectual disability is a condition of limited mental ability in which the individual,

(1) has a low IQ, usually below 70 on a traditional intelligence test;

(2) has difficulty in adapting to the demands of everyday life; and

(3) first exhibits these characteristics by age 18

The most distinctive feature of intellectual disability (formerly called Mental Retardation) is inadequate intellectual functioning, identified by a lack of age-appropriate skills in learning and caring for themselves.IQ scores categorize intellectual disability as mild, moderate, severe, or profound. However, limitations in present functioning is generally considered within the context of the community environment of the child, typical of the individual’s age, peers, and culture. Also noted is the fact that with appropriate personalized supports over a sustained period, the life functioning of the person with intellectual disability generally will improve. Children with Low IQ face delay or difficulty in learning new skills, studying and engaging in proper behaviours. Typically, children with intellectual impairment fail in school examinations despite genuine efforts. In between trying to perform better in academics and the lack of intellectual ability to do so, they may suffer from helplessness and low self-esteem. Our therapists design a program based on the individual child’s needs, incorporating various behavioral techniques, to improve their level of functioning, where specific behavioral objectives are defined, and children are taught skills in small, sequential steps.

Worried that your child might have Intellectual disability:

1. Does your child experience difficulty with intellectual activities (e.g. reasoning, problem solving, planning, abstract thinking, learning)?
2. Does your child exhibit poor adaptive functioning, failure to meet developmental milestones related to independence and responsibility, and limited functioning in one or more daily life activities (e.g. communication, social participation) across multiple environments (e.g. school, home)?
3. Does your child experience difficulty in developing, maintaining and understanding relationships (e.g. difficulties adjusting behaviour in different social settings, lack of interest in or understanding of peers and social play activities)?
4. Do you feel that your child does not behave adequately as per his age?

If you have said yes to most of the above, we might be able to help you.

Services, we provide that can help your child and you:

• IQ Assessment
• Behaviour Therapy
• Special Education
• Skill Training