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.
