Children With Intellectual Disabilities
Children With Intellectual Disabilities
Children With Intellectual Disabilities
Intellectual Disability (ID) (formerly called mental retardation) is the most common
developmental disability–nearly 6.5 million people in the United States have some level of ID.
(more than 545,000 are ages 6-21).
IDs can be mild or more severe. Children with more severe forms typically require more
support–particularly in school. Children with milder IDs can gain some independent skills,
especially in communities with good teaching and support. There are many programs and
resources available to help these children as they grow into adulthood.
With the passage of Rosa's Law in 2010, many states replaced all terminology from "mental
retardation" to "intellectual disability." Unfortunately, it has taken time for people to use the new
term.
The general public, including families, and public policymakers at local, state and federal levels,
are becoming aware of how offensive this term is. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
does not encourage the use of nor promote the term "mental retardation."
Usually, children are not able to do an intelligence test (Intelligence Quotient Test or IQ
test) until they are 4 to 6 years old. Therefore, parents may have to wait until a child reaches that
age before knowing for sure if their child has ID. Sometimes, it can take longer.
Personal care skills (e.g. getting dressed, going to the bathroom, self-feeding)
Communication and social skills (e.g. having conversations, using the phone)
School or work skills
Learning routines
Being safe
Asking for help
Using money
Most children with IDs can learn a great deal, and as adults can lead at least partially
independent lives.
Every state also has a Parent Information Center (PIC) to help families with their child'sspecial
education needs.