AMITY INSTITUTE OF

BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES

SEMINAR ON
OVERVIEW OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY:
ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT

PRESENTED BY: SUPERVISED BY:

PRERANA AITCH Ms. AVISIKTA BASU
PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AIBHAS, AMITY UNIVERSITY,
AIBHAS, AMITY UNIVERSITY KOLKATA.
KOLKATA

AIMS OF THE SEMINAR:

 To understand the signs and symptoms of intellectual disability
 To understand the diagnostic criteria for intellectual disability.
 To understand few conditions associated with intellectual disability.
 To understand the course and prognosis for intellectual disability
 To understand the etiological factors contributing to intellectual disability
 To understand the assessment methods for ascertaining intellectual disability
 To understand caregiver’s burden through assessments
 To understand the need for prevention in cases of intellectual disability.
 Understanding different therapeutic interventions useful for management of
intellectual disability.
 Understanding Caregiver’s Burden
 Laws relevant to intellectual disability
 Conclusion
Introduction
Intellectual Disability (ID), formerly known as Mental Retardation, is a
neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significantly impaired intellectual and
adaptive functioning.

Different Definitions of Intellectual Disability

By Page (1976), Tredgold (1937), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM-5), 11th revision of International Classification of Disease (ICD-11
and American Association on Intellectual and Developmental disability (AAIDD)

Prevalence of Intellectual Disability

An article by American Psychological Association in 2023 stated that prevalence of ID
worldwide currently is 1%. A research by Russell and colleagues (2022) showed the
prevalence of ID was 2% in India.

Diagnostic Criteria–
 As per 11th revision of International Classification of Disease (ICD-11)
 As per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Differential Diagnosis for Intellectual Disability

With Major and Mild Neurocognitive disorders, Communication Disorder, Specific
Learning Disorder and Autism Spectrum disorder

Intellectual Disability and Associated Condition

With Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Sensory Impairment, Epilepsy, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder

Course and Prognosis for Intellectual Disability

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) states that onset of
intellectual disability is in the developmental period. People with mild to moderate
intellectual disability can support themselves and live independently to some extent,
whereas people with severe and profound disability need life-long support.
Other Classifications relevant to Intellectual Disability
 Intelligence Quotient as norm for Classification
 Classification based on Intensity of Needed Supports

Characteristics of People with Intellectual Disability

 Physical
 Cognitive
 Personality and Behavioural

Etiological Factors contributing to Intellectual Disability

 Biological
 Prenatal
 Genetic Abnormalities - Fragile X syndrome, Down Syndrome, Prader-
Willi syndrome, Cat’s Cry syndrome, Phenylketonuria (PKU), Rett’s
Syndrome, Neurofibromatosis
 Maternal Infection- Rubella (German measles), Syphilis, Herpes
Simplex, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Diseases present in mother
 Other Prenatal Factors
 Perinatal- Low birth-weight, Asphyxia, Forceps induced delivery,
Abnormal fetal position
 Postnatal- Childhood Disintegrative syndrome, Maple Syrup Urine Disease,
Infection, Traumatic Brain Injury
 Environmental and Sociocultural

Assessments related to Intellectual Disability

 Organic Methods
 Prenatal
 Postnatal
 Psychological Tools
 Screening tools developed in Western Context
 Screening tools developed in Indian Context,
  Assessment Tools
 Other tools associated to Intellectual Disability
 Assessment Tools to assess caregiver’s burden

Therapeutic Intervention for Intellectual Disability

 Prevention
 Behavioural Intervention
 Cognitive Behavioural Interventions-
 Social Skills Training
 Family Education and Family Therapy
 Psychopharmacologic Interventions
 Treatment in terms of Special Education
 Other forms of intervention

Laws Relevant to Intellectual Disability

Mental Health Act 1987; The Person with Disabilities Act 1995; The National Trust
for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple
Disabilities Act 1999 and The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
The Unique Disability ID is issued to people with disabilities mentioned under
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. People with diagnosed intellectual
disability are eligible for this ID.

Conclusion
This report focuses on what is intellectual disability, its diagnostic criteria, etiological
factors, assessment tools and intervention and management approaches.
Intellectual disability is a condition that affects many aspects of a person’s life, but is
not the sum total of a person’s being. With proper assistance and guidance, early
assessment, caregiver support and a structured intervention and management plan,
people with intellectual disability can go on to live meaningful, happy and fulfilling
lives.
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