Even though there are several intellectual disabilities people can suffer from that prevent them from easy information retention, learning and communicating, we look at some prominent ones here. These disabilities are caused by environmental factors, illness health problems, birth and pregnancy problems and genetic conditions. An intellectual disability is usually defined by a below average IQ under 70, with significant problems in regards to socialization, communication, safety and self-care.
One of the well-known inherited intellectual disabilities is FXS which is the acronym for Fragile X Syndrome. An individual born with FXS experiences several and diverse range of emotional, behavioural, developmental and physical difficulties and levels can vary too. Several early signs include ADHD, anxiety, communication problems, developmental delays, poor eye contact, and problems processing sensory info, social interaction problems and autism-like behaviour.
Down syndrome is a disability which causes learning disabilities and a common genetic chromosomal disorder. It can include heart conditions, respiratory problems, developmental and physical characteristics. These disabilities vary from one individual to another even though they predominantly have a degree of learning and intellectual disabilities. The physical characteristics include upward slanted eyes, short statures and rounded faces.
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorders are caused when foetuses are exposed to alcohol with varying symptoms. The symptoms can include poor social skills, behavioural issues, poor judgement and memory, learning difficulties, slow growth, organ damage, joints deformities and distinctive facial features.
Environmental and other causes also cause disabilities from birth and later in years which include trauma, exposure to drugs and alcohol, malnutrition, complications during measles or meningitis, toxin exposures, birth complications and problem pregnancies.
A complex and rare disability is Prader-Willi syndrome with a common symptom that appears around two years old. It is an insatiable, constant hunger and other symptoms include short stature and bad muscle tone while other intellectual disabilities present can include problem solving, maths and language difficult. When born with PWS a child could also have distinct facial features that include turned-down mouth, light hair and skin, narrow head and almond-shaped eyes.