Adults with intellectual disabilities have low general intelligence and struggle with adaptive behaviors. They may have difficulty remembering, communicating, and understanding, and may lack social skills or be unable to care for themselves. Some disabilities are caused by specific disorders. With support, these adults can lead happy and productive lives.
There are two main features that can be seen in adults with intellectual disabilities. The first is low general intelligence and the second is a problem with two or three categories of adaptive behaviors. There are a variety of characteristics these adults can display, although for the most part they struggle to understand and coexist with people and the world around them. Once these characteristics are identified, adults with intellectual disabilities can receive the support they need to live happy and productive lives.
A characteristic of adults with intellectual disabilities is impaired intellectual ability. The IQ of these adults measures 69 or lower, 31 points below average on a standard intelligence scale. Below this limit, the effects of intellectual disability become considerably more pronounced as the IQ falls. Adults with intellectual disabilities may have difficulty remembering, learning new things, communicating effectively, and understanding. There are many strategies for dealing with low intelligence, and with practice, many adults can learn to use some of them effectively.
The other major characteristic of adults with intellectual disabilities is a problem with at least two different aspects of adaptive behavior. These adults may have difficulty expressing themselves or understanding others, may lack social skills or be unable to care for themselves without assistance. Adults with intellectual disabilities may have difficulty expressing their thoughts, needs or desires, or may not be able to understand what other people are trying to communicate to them. They may withdraw from social contact or react aggressively to others, often out of frustration with an effort to understand. These adults may not be able to feed themselves effectively, bathe, or use the bathroom without assistance.
In some cases, an intellectual disability can be caused by a specific disorder. Adults with Down syndrome often have facial features in common with other Down syndrome patients and health problems affecting the heart, sensory organs, or digestive system in addition to their cognitive impairments. Adults with intellectual disabilities who also have fragile X syndrome may have a variety of physiological characteristics, such as low muscle tone, soft skin, flexible joints, and flat feet. An intellectual disability that manifests itself later in life, such as that caused by an injury or illness, can have a variety of different characteristics depending on which part of the brain is affected.
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