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Intellectual disability is a life long condition,
characterised by significantly below average intellectual ability
and adaptive skills. It is NOT a mental illness and should not be
confused with developmental delay . With appropriate assistance,
children and adults with intellectual disability can learn new
information and lead a fulfilling life. The key
factors are early identification and long term
planning.
What is an Intellectual
Disability?
Children with
intellectual disability show difficulties with thinking, learning,
communication (both verbal and non-verbal), memory, problem solving,
judgment and social functioning. Intellectual disability is
diagnosed if a child's intellectual ability (IQ) is notably below
average and shows severe limitations in at least two areas of
adaptive functioning.
Significantly below average
intellectual ability refers to an IQ score of 70 or less
as measured by standardised tests. An IQ score of 70 is
two standard deviation (1 standard deviation = 15 IQ points)
below the mean, occurring in approximately 2% of all children.
Limitations in adaptive functioning refer to skills
necessary for everyday living, such as communication, self care,
memory, social skills, problem solving and work/study
skills.
Some children develop slower than others and may
show a delay in one or more developmental areas. This is not intellectual
disability and children with delay in one or more areas of
functioning can still achieve their required milestones,
even if at a later stage.
What We Offer
The most important part of the diagnostic process when a
child is suspected to suffer from intellectual disability is the
evaluation of his/her intellectual level. At CPAC we
provide intellectual ability assessments that are aimed at
identifying severe difficulties. At the same time we aim to
highlight a child's intellectual strengths (e.g., non-verbal
abilities) and work together with parents and other agencies to
provide the best long term plan for each individual
child.
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