intellectual disability

People with an intellectual disability are members of the community who learn and develop intellectually at a slower rate than average. The key criteria for defining intellectual disability are: significant impairment in intellectual functioning; difficulties in adaptive behaviour; and manifestation in the developmental period.  People with intellectual disability are a diverse group, and for the majority of intellectual disabilities there is no identifiable cause. They vary considerably in the nature and extent of their intellectual impairments and functional limitations, the origin of their disability, their personal background and social environment. Some people have genetic disorders that impact severely on their intellectual, social and other functional abilities. Intellectual disabilities may appear at any age.

Links:

• NSW Council for Intellectual Disability: www.nswcid.org.au