- "Intellectual disability (ID), also known as general learning disability in the United Kingdom and formerly mental retardation, is a generalized neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significantly impaired intellectual and adaptive functioning." - "It is defined by an IQ under 70, in addition to deficits in two or more adaptive behaviors that affect everyday, general living."
Social workers working in intellectual and developmental disability generally work with individuals with cognitive impairments, such as autism, down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities. Clients may need assistance with daily living, job placement, or developing social skills.
Definition of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD): An overview of what IDD encompasses, including specific disorders such as Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.
Historical perspectives on IDD: The evolution of societal attitudes towards people with IDD and their treatment throughout history.
The social model of disability: Understanding how disability is not just an individual trait, but is also shaped by societal attitudes and structures.
The medical model of disability: How medical professionals have traditionally approached and treated people with IDD.
Legislation and policy: Understanding the legal and policy framework that protects the rights of people with IDD, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Social support systems: The range of services and supports available to people with IDD and their families, including residential options, day programs, and job training.
Family dynamics: The unique challenges faced by families of people with IDD, including the impact on sibling relationships and caregiver burnout.
Communication strategies and assistive technology: Techniques and tools used to communicate with people with IDD, including adapted communication devices and sign language.
Advocacy skills: How to advocate for the rights of people with IDD, including self-advocacy and activism.
Cultural considerations: Understanding how cultural beliefs and practices can impact the treatment and support of people with IDD.
Transition planning: Helping people with IDD transition from childhood to adulthood, including finding employment and living independently.
Ethical issues: The ethical considerations involved in Disability Social Work, including confidentiality and the use of restraint and seclusion.
Trauma-informed care: Understanding the impact of trauma on people with IDD and how to provide trauma-informed care.
Mental health considerations: How to support the mental health needs of people with IDD, including addressing co-occurring mental health conditions.
Positive behavior support: Techniques used to address challenging behaviors in people with IDD, including functional behavior assessments and positive reinforcement.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and restrictive and repetitive behaviors and interests.
Down Syndrome: A genetic disorder that causes physical and intellectual growth delays, facial abnormalities, and other medical issues.
Cerebral Palsy: A condition that affects movement and coordination due to damage to the brain during or near birth.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): A range of cognitive, behavioral and physical disabilities caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.
Fragile X Syndrome: A genetic condition that causes intellectual disability, social anxiety and emotional and behavior challenges.
Intellectual Disability (ID): A condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS): A genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability, low muscle tone, and a constant feeling of hunger that can lead to obesity.
Spina Bifida: A birth defect that affects the spinal column, causing physical disabilities and may result in paralysis or bladder/bowel control issues.
Tourette Syndrome: A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary, and vocal or motor tics.
Williams Syndrome: A genetic condition that causes intellectual disability, specific facial features, heart and blood vessel problems and other medical conditions.
- "Intellectual functions are defined under DSM-V as reasoning, problem‑solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgment, academic learning, and learning from instruction and experience, and practical understanding confirmed by both clinical assessment and standardized tests."
- "Adaptive behavior is defined in terms of conceptual, social, and practical skills involving tasks performed by people in their everyday lives."
- "Intellectual disability is subdivided into syndromic intellectual disability, in which intellectual deficits associated with other medical and behavioral signs and symptoms are present, and non-syndromic intellectual disability, in which intellectual deficits appear without other abnormalities."
- "Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome are examples of syndromic intellectual disabilities."
- "Intellectual disability affects about 2 to 3% of the general population."
- "Seventy-five to ninety percent of the affected people have mild intellectual disability."
- "Non-syndromic, or idiopathic cases account for 30 to 50% of these cases."
- "About a quarter of cases are caused by a genetic disorder."
- "About 5% of cases are inherited."
- "Cases of unknown cause affect about 95 million people as of 2013."