Children withIntellectual Deficits

Introduction

Intellectual disability (ID), once called mental retardation, is characterized by below-average intelligence or mental ability and a lack of skills necessary for day-to-day living. People with intellectual disabilities can and do learn new skills, but they learn them more slowly. There are varying degrees of intellectual disability, from mild to profound.

• This can measured by an IQ test. The average IQ is 100. A person is considered intellectually disabled if he or she has an IQ of less than 70 to 75.

• To measure a child’s adaptive behaviors, a specialist will observe the child’s skills and compare them to other children of the same age. Things that may be observed include how well the child can feed or dress himself or herself; how well the child is able to communicate with and understand others; and how the child interacts with family, friends, and other children of the same age.

• Intellectual disability is thought to affect about 1% of the population. Of those affected, 85% have mild intellectual disability. This means they are just a little slower than average to learn new information or skills. With the right support, most will be able to live independently as adults.

What is intellectual disability?Someone with intellectual disability has limitations in two areas. These areas are:• Intellectual functioning. Also known as IQ, this

refers to a person’s ability to learn, reason, make decisions, and solve problems.

• Adaptive behaviors. These are skills necessary for day-to-day life, such as being able to communicate effectively, interact with others, and take care of oneself.

Classification

• Mild Retardation (IQ 50-70)This is commonest type of mental retardation accounting for 85-90% of all cases. These individuals have minimum retardation in sensory-motor areas.

• Moderate Retardation (IQ 35-50)About 10% of mentally retarded come under this group.

Severe Retardation (IQ 20-35)Severe mental retardation is often recognized early in life with poor motor development & absent or markedly delayed speech & communication skills.

Profound Retardation (IQ below 20)This group accounts for 1-2% of all mentally retarded. The achievement of developmental milestones is markedly delayed. They require constant nursing care & supervision.

CAUSES

Anytime something interferes with normal brain development, intellectual disability can result. However, a specific cause for intellectual disability can only be pinpointed about a third of the time.The most common causes of intellectual disability are:

• Genetic conditions- These include things like Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome.

• Problems during pregnancy -Things that can interfere with fetal brain development include alcohol or drug use, malnutrition, certain infections, or preeclampsia.

• Problems during childbirth. Intellectual disability may result if a baby is deprived of oxygen during childbirth or born extremely premature.

• Illness or injury. Infections like meningitis, whooping cough, or the measles can lead to intellectual disability. Severe head injury, near-drowning, extreme malnutrition, exposure to toxic substances such as lead, and severe neglect or abuse can also cause it.

• None of the above. In two-thirds of all children who have intellectual disability, the cause is unknown.

SIGNS &

SYMPTOMS

• Failure to achieve developmental milestones

• Deficiency in cognitive functioning such as inability to follow commands or directions

• Failure to achieve intellectual developmental markers

• Reduced ability to learn or to meet academic demands

• Expressive or receptive language problems

• Psychomotor skill deficits

• Difficulty performing self-esteem

• Irritability when frustrated or upset

• Depression or labile moods

• Acting-out behavior • Persistence of infantile

behavior • Lack of curiosity.

Conditions

Defined as….• A genetic disorder that affects males.

This syndrome occurs when a boy is born with one or more extra X chromosomes. Most males have one Y and one X chromosome. Having extra X chromosomes can cause a male to have some physical traits unusual for males.

• Many men with an extra X chromosome are not aware that they have it, and they lead normal lives. Klinefelter syndrome occurs in about 1 out of 1,000 males.

Caused by…• The presence of an extra X

chromosome in males most often occurs when the genetic material in the egg splits unevenly. But it can also occur when the genetic material in the sperm splits unevenly. Even though Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic disorder, it is not passed down through families. So, parents who have a child with Klinefelter syndrome are not any more likely than other couples to have another child with the condition.

Symptoms….• Many men who have Klinefelter

syndrome do not have obvious symptoms. Others have sparse body hair, enlarged breasts, and wide hips. In almost all men the testicles remain small. In some men the penis does not reach adult size. Their voices may not be as deep. They usually cannot father children. But they can have a normal sex life.

• Some boys with Klinefelter syndrome have language and learning problems.

Accommodations/Interventions

• Notify the parent(s) in order to discuss a referral for assessment.

• Consult with your student support team about the situation.

• The psychological effects of this on a male at the age of puberty cannot be underestimated. Watch carefully and supportively for signs of depression and anxiety.

• Physical activity can be very valuable to improve motor skills and self image, and to help counteract the more feminine body shape that the boy will be developing.

• Physical education teachers must be aware that underdeveloped genitalia are an issue for these boys and this may create problems in the change room.

• One of the first and simplest things to do is to create a better auditory environment in the classroom by eliminating as much background noise as possible. Some strategies may include:Having carpet in the room (provided this

doesn't aggravate allergies for other students)Getting old tennis balls, cutting slits in each

and placing them on the feet of each student's desk or chair so that when students move their desks or chairs, the movement is silent

Placing the student away from air ducts, fans, aquarium pumps, and other sources of noise

Changing ballasts in the fluorescent lights if the lights are making a humming sound.

Wear a microphone so that your voice is broadcast to speakers in each corner of the room or directly to the student's headphones or hearing aid.

• When giving directions, speak slowly and clearly, facing the student directly so he/she can see your face.

• When pauses in your speech occur, give a little extra time to each to help the student decode.

• Allow processing time at the end of each statement you make.

• When giving directions, give only one at a time. Give the student time to process or follow those instructions before giving another set of instructions.

• Another good option is to have both verbal and written instructions.

• Have the student repeat instructions back to you. • Have the student get comfortable with making lists

of things to remember.• Provide instruction geared to expanding the

student's vocabulary.• Use visual and written strategies to compensate

for the weaknesses in auditory memory.• Checklists, written instructions, agenda books will

all be helpful.

Most importantly a…….

PASSIONATE

References• Child and Adolescent by Acero, Ph.D, Javier, Ph.D & Castro M.A Chapter 4, page 85-93. • Intellectual Disability by WebMD: Better information. Better health.,

retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/intellectual-disability-mental-retardation?page=2

• Mental Retardation: Causes and Prevention by Education.com retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/mental-retardation-causes-prevention/

• Klinefelter syndrome by Mayo Clinic retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/klinefelter-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20033637

• Klinefelter Syndrome by Brandon U Teacher Tools retrieved from http://www.brandonuteachertools.net/klinefelter-syndrome.html