Mild Intellectual Disability: Types, Causes, and Treatment

Intellectual disability is one of the most prevailing developmental disabilities in kids. Around 6.5 million people in America are suffering from this condition. Children with mild intellectual disability usually face limitations in developing adaptive skills and intellectual functioning. They have an IQ ranging between 50 – 70. But with proper education and support, they can live a productive life.

Definition of Mild Intellectual Disability

Mild intellectual disability (MID) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects adaptive and cognitive potential. It usually occurs in childhood. Children with MID face problems associated with socialization, learning, self-care and communication. 

Types of Mild Intellectual Disability

There are several types of mild intellectual disability: 

Fragile X Syndrome 

Fragile X syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the X chromosome. It affects males more than females. This condition usually causes a long face, big head, and other physical features impairment.

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a condition that happens when an individual has an additional chromosome 21 copy. It results in tiny ears, flat faces, slanted eyes, leukaemia, heart defects and thyroid problems.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder 

FASD is a condition that occurs when a person gets exposed to alcohol prenatally. It can lead to thin upper lip, tiny head, smooth philtrum, vision issues, heart defects and hearing loss. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder can even cause behavioural issues like poor judgment, difficulty with social skills, etc.

Causes of Mild Intellectual Disability

Some of the possible causes of mild intellectual disability include:

Genetic Conditions

Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome phenylketonuria can result in this form of learning disability.

Lack of Proper Nutrition 

Malnutrition, mainly in the early years of a kid and during pregnancy can significantly interfere with his/her brain development.

Environmental Factors

Pollution and exposure to other environmental toxins can lead to mild ID.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition that happens when a pregnant lady consumes alcohol. It damages the developing fetus and results in a variety of developmental issues, including intellectual disability.

Premature Birth 

It can also be a risk factor for intellectual disability.

Serious Physical or Emotional Abuse

Severe emotional or physical abuse are traumatic experience that can cause mild ID.

Complications during Pregnancy

Preeclampsia, infections and other issues during pregnancy can hinder the brain development of the child and result in ID.

Infections 

Measles, meningitis, or whooping cough can result in brain damage or other complications.

Mild Intellectual Disability Diagnosis

If you notice someone with a mild intellectual disability, speak to a healthcare expert as soon as possible. He/she will conduct a proper diagnosis using: 

• Standard assessments and tests associated with adaptive and cognitive functioning. 
• Clinical observation and judgment.

Mild ID diagnosis usually involves the following steps:

Parent’s Interview

The first step involves interviewing parents to determine the important insights related to developmental delays.

Noticing Kid

Now, the medical professional observes the communication and behaviour of the kid. It helps him/her determine the developmental progress.

Testing 

The expert performs an IQ test to notice the adaptive and intelligent behaviours of the kid. If the IQ score comes out to be less than 70, it signifies an ID.

Adaptive Functioning Evaluation

Gauging adaptive functioning is the process of identifying how independent a patient is functionally and how he/she handles everyday demands in his/her life, unlike people of the same age.

Other Tests 

The professional may also make further tests such as genetic tests mandatory to find the cause of this learning disability.

Mild Intellectual Disability Treatment

Although there is no cure for mild ID, the professional can recommend the treatment to help the child accomplish their full ability and enhance their life quality. 

The treatment for mild intellectual disability can be the blend of the following:

Special Education

Specialized education by well-trained teachers offers custom instructions to a child with mild ID. It helps them cater to his/her unique learning goals and needs to help him/her succeed in academics.

Family Counseling

Family counselling is the process of working with each family member of a kid with a mild intellectual disability. It includes providing necessary education, guidance and support. It helps the family manage the condition of the child well.

Behavioural Therapy

Behaviour therapy includes teaching and shaping the desired skills and behaviours of a kid with mild ID. It helps in managing his/her challenging behaviour effectively.

Medication 

Sometimes, the skilled healthcare expert recommends medicines along with other treatments to manage signs of slight intellectual disability. It can be drugs used to treat co-occurring conditions that can affect children with MID. These conditions could be epilepsy, depression, ADHD, etc.

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy is the process of using diverse methods to improve the cognitive potential of a child. It may include reasoning, focus, problem-solving and memory.

Occupational Therapy

Another treatment for mild intellectual disability is occupational therapy. It helps the patient learn skills to improve their everyday life.

Physical and Speech Therapy 

Physical and speech therapy helps manage physical issues and improve the development of speech.

FAQ’s

What is the difference between mild and severe intellectual disability?

Individuals with mild intellectual disability have an IQ range between 50 – 70. They face difficulties with social, academic and everyday living skills. However, those with severe intellectual disability have an IQ range of less than 35. They also face impairments in motor, sensory, and language skills. These people may even require constant supervision and care. 

Can you explain adaptive skills?

Adaptive skills are the skills that allow an individual to manage their daily life properly. These could be socialization, self-care, work or communication.