Intellectual disability (ID) begins during childhood and involves deficits in mental abilities, social skills, and core activities of daily living (ADLs) when compared to same-aged peers.
The level of impairment ranges in severity for each person. Some of the early signs can include
-
Delays in reaching or failure to achieve milestones in motor skills development (sitting, crawling, walking)
-
Slowness learning to talk or continued difficulties with speech and language skills after starting to talk.
-
Difficulty with self-help and self-care skills (e.g., getting dressed, washing, and feeding themselves).
-
Poor planning or problem solving abilities.
-
Behavioural and social problems.
-
Failure to grow intellectually or continued infant-like behaviour.
-
Problems keeping up in school.
-
Failure to adapt or adjust to new situations.
-
Difficulty understanding and following social rules.
