Intellectual Impairements Flashcards
What is the difference between “developmental impairment” and “intellectual impairment”?
○ “Developmental Disabilities” is an umbrella term that includes intellectual disability but also includes other disabilities that are apparent during childhood.
○ These disabilities may be cognitive, physical, or both.
○ They appear before the age of 22 and are likely lifelong.
○ Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior (cognitive, social, and practical domains). This disability originates before the age of 18
What are the three areas of deficits in the medical definition of intellectual impairment?
The three areas of deficits are:
1. Intellectual Functioning
2. Adaptive Functioning
3. Occur during the developmental period (childhood or adolescence)
What is intellectual functioning?
Intellectual functioning refers to general mental capability. It includes the ability to reason, plan, problem-solve, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn from experience, and learn traditionally.
How is intellectual functioning measured?
Intellectual functioning is measured and represented by IQ.
What is adaptive functioning?
Adaptive functioning is a collection of conceptual, social, and practical skills learned to function in everyday life.
Why is adaptive functioning important?
Adaptive functioning skills play a very significant role in diagnosis and in determining the severity of an intellectual impairment. Families often care more about these skills than IQ. Sport, recreation, and physical activity can be amazing ways to learn these life skills
What are the three categories of adaptive skills?
○ Conceptual skills: language, reading, writing, math, reasoning, knowledge, and memory
○ Social skills: empathy, social judgment, interpersonal communication, making and retaining friendships
○ Practical skills: self-management in personal care, responsibilities, money management
What is the developmental period in the context of intellectual impairment?
The developmental period refers to the prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal stages. An intellectual impairment occurs or shows up during the developing years (typically by age 18, although some argue the cutoff should be 22).
What is the difference between an intellectual impairment and a brain injury?
A head injury that occurs after the developmental period and presents similar signs and symptoms to an intellectual impairment is referred to as a brain injury.
What are some things to consider when providing physical activity instruction to individuals with intellectual impairments?
○ Complex rules and abstract concepts are difficult to comprehend. Breakdown tasks, use procedural and visual supports, consider Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU), and guided discovery. Establish routines.
○ Communication may be verbal or non-verbal. Use all communication strategies in instruction, especially VISUALS.
○ Motor skill competence and motivation are very low. Use the Ecological Task Analysis (ETA), consider alternative instructional styles, make it fun, add music, highlight strengths, and provide opportunities for success.
○ Provide opportunities for participation at all ages!
What causes Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition.
○ In typical development, each cell has 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 total).
○ People with Down syndrome have an extra portion of chromosome 21 in some or all of their cells. This is also called Trisomy 21.
What is Down syndrome?
○ Encompasses both physical and intellectual impairment.
○ Is the most commonly occurring and recognizable genetic condition.
○ Has many associated stereotypes, but these vary depending on the individual.
