An intellectual disability is a permanent condition that impacts a person’s learning ability and day-to-day functioning. It can occur during the developmental period, either from birth or before age 22. To diagnose an intellectual disability, a person’s general intelligence and daily functioning must be significantly below average.
Intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, also known as I/DD, generally mean a person has experienced impacts on their ability to reason, learn, live independently, and problem-solve.
When reviewing this list, it is essential to remember that not everyone living with one of these diagnoses is considered to have an intellectual or developmental disability. This list is provided by Linx Community Services to help individuals or guardians to determine if they need our direct support professional services.
ADD is a condition that affects parts of the brain that control focus, attention, and hyperactivity. It affects how people with ADD think and act. People affected by ADD may have difficulty focusing on a single task or organizing their thoughts and activities. They may also have trouble controlling impulses and be easily distracted. ADD can often lead to frustration, guilt, lowered self-esteem, and anxiety.
Apert Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects how an individual’s hands, feet, and skull bones develop. It is caused by a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor two gene (FGFR2). Apert Syndrome typically presents with premature fusion of certain skull bones, resulting in a characteristic facial appearance and varying developmental disabilities. Hand and foot bones can also be fused due to this condition, making mobility and other tasks difficult.
The most common features associated with Apert Syndrome are mid-face hypoplasia, craniosynostosis (premature fusion of the skull bones), and syndactyly (webbed fingers). Other common symptoms include hearing loss, vision problems, and difficulty with motor skills.
Autism is a neurological disorder that can affect people in different ways. It is believed to be related to various issues, but the exact cause remains unknown. People with autism often have difficulty developing communication and social skills and behavior problems. They may also display repetitive behaviors or have restricted interests.
Early diagnosis is an essential factor for successful treatment of autism symptoms.
Symptoms can vary significantly across individuals; some may only be identified once the individual is older. Common signs of autism include difficulties with social interactions or communication, difficulty making sense of their environment, and repetitive behaviors such as movements like rocking or hand-flapping.
Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that impacts muscle movement, balance, and coordination. It is usually caused by an injury to the brain at or before birth. Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, treatments are available that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
Physical therapy is one such treatment that focuses on building strength and improving motor skills. Occupational therapy, medications to help manage symptoms such as seizures, spasticity, and pain, and assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, braces, and adaptive technology can also be used to maximize independence.
A Developmental Delay is a delay in one or more areas of development, including physical, cognitive, speech and language, social-emotional, self-help, or adaptive skills.
It is important to remember that children develop at different rates, and a Developmental Delay does not necessarily mean something is wrong with the child. It means they may require individualized support to help them reach their full potential.
Early intervention and diagnosis are crucial to helping a child reach their developmental milestones. Parents who notice delays in them should seek professional help from specialists such as pediatricians, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. Many children can progress toward meeting their developmental goals with the right interventions.
Developmental Hearing Loss is a condition in which hearing loss progresses as a child ages. Developmental Hearing Loss can also occur during infancy due to irregular growth of the inner ear structures or damage to the middle ear from illnesses such as otitis media. This type of hearing loss can cause a delay in speech and language skills while negatively impacting academic achievement and social functioning.
Parents should be aware of the signs of hearing loss in their children, such as difficulty understanding spoken words, not responding to voices or sounds, and difficulty with schoolwork. If a parent notices any of these signs in their child, they should seek medical advice from an audiologist or other healthcare professional.
Downs syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects cognitive development. People with Down Syndrome have an extra chromosome, which can cause physical and intellectual challenges. People with Down Syndrome may struggle with mental abilities such as problem-solving, understanding abstract concepts, and forming opinions.
They may also have difficulty communicating with others in social situations. However, with the help of dedicated professionals and family members, individuals can learn how to interact with their peers and build meaningful relationships.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a complex disorder that affects children born to mothers who consume alcohol during pregnancy. The severity of this disorder ranges from mild to severe, with different symptoms appearing in other individuals. Symptoms may include developmental delays, mental health issues, physical abnormalities, and learning disabilities.
FASD can have long-term effects on an individual’s life. People with FASD may face lifelong learning, memory, concentration, and communication challenges. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and behavior. Additionally, those with FASD are at higher risk for substance abuse and mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Early intervention is critical to managing the symptoms of FASD and improving an individual’s quality of life, so it is vital to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
Fragile X Syndrome is an estimated genetic condition affecting more men than women. Those with Fragile X Syndrome can experience various physical and cognitive effects, including developmental delays, learning difficulties, anxiety, and depression. Children with Fragile X syndrome may also have ADD, impairing their ability to focus and pay attention. Fidgeting and impulsive actions are also common. Seizures may also occur, but this is a rare symptom, especially among women with the syndrome.
Physical characteristics of this syndrome become more apparent as the person ages and presents with a long, narrow face, prominent jaw and forehead, flat feet, uniquely flexible fingers, and large ears, and men may experience enlarged testicles after they reach puberty.
Kernicterus is an uncommon but severe form of brain damage in newborns. It is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood and can cause permanent neurological damage if not detected and treated quickly enough.
Kernicterus occurs when there is too much unconjugated or indirect bilirubin (a breakdown product of red blood cells) in the bloodstream, which cannot be excreted quickly enough by the body. The most common cause of kernicterus is an abnormally high level of jaundice, yellow discoloration in the skin and eyes due to increased bilirubin levels.
Kernicterus can lead to hearing loss, athetoid cerebral palsy, dental issues, and developmental delays. Babies with this condition will have yellow or orange skin, will have difficulty waking up, will be fussy, will have difficulty feeding from a bottle or breastfeeding, and will not have enough wet or dirty diapers. Crying inconsolably, arching their body like a bow, being stiff, limp, or floppy, or having strange eye movements are signs that require emergency medical care.
Stuttering is a communication disorder that impacts the fluency of speech. It can affect adults and children, although it is more common in children. People who stutter often repeat sounds, syllables, or words, stretch out certain sounds, or pause between words when speaking.
Apraxia is another communication disorder that involves difficulty in the coordination of speech muscles. It is often seen in children with problems producing particular sounds or correctly forming words. Apraxia can affect adults and children, although it is more common among children.
Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that impacts the muscle tone and movement of the muscles used for speech production. It can involve difficulty pronouncing words, slurred speech, or distorted sounds. People with dysarthria may also have trouble controlling their breathing while speaking or experience unusual facial movements associated with talking.
Communication disorders can influence an individual’s ability to communicate effectively. They can lead to a lack of self-confidence, social isolation, and problems establishing relationships.
Prader-Willi syndrome is a condition that affects many different aspects of an individual’s life. It can cause physical, intellectual, and behavioral challenges for those affected. Some common symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome include obesity, poor muscle tone, short height, delayed development of motor and language skills, and behavioral issues such as aggression, compulsions, or temper tantrums.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a severe but rare genetic condition where the body cannot break down the amino acid phenylalanine. People with PKU must follow a strict diet and avoid foods containing phenylalanine, such as dairy products, eggs, certain meats, and fruits. People with PKU must check food labels for this specific amino acid and carefully watch their protein intake to ensure their diet is phenylalanine-free.
Symptoms of this condition, when left untreated, may include skin rashes, delayed development, intellectual disability, behavioral, emotional, and social problems, hyperactivity, neurological problems that may lead to seizure, and a musty odor of the breath or urine. Some individuals may also have lighter skin, eyes, and hair color than other family members.
Muscular Dystrophy (MD) is a group of muscle diseases that are inherited and cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. It affects children and adults from all backgrounds, sexes, ages, and ethnicities. As the muscle cells break down, specific muscles weaken and eventually stop working. This can affect walking, swallowing, breathing, and other basic movements.
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder that causes physical tics and vocal outbursts. People with TS experience motor and vocal tics, such as jerking arms, rapidly blinking eyes, and uncontrollable shouting or cursing. The severity of the TS episodes can vary depending on the individual. TS is typically diagnosed in childhood and can last a lifetime.
Vision Impairment is a term that refers to any condition that affects the eyes or visual system. It can range from mild vision loss to total blindness. Common causes of vision impairment include macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy. People with vision impairments may need assistance with everyday activities such as reading, writing, and walking along unfamiliar terrain.
Williams Syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder affecting multiple body parts. It is usually characterized by distinctive facial features, intellectual disability, developmental delay, and unique personality traits. An individual with this disorder often struggles with tasks like puzzles but will excel with music, memorization, and spoken language. They will also tend to take a great interest in other people and are very outgoing. Phobia, ADD, and anxiety are also common for individuals with WS. People with WS may also have heart defects, delayed physical growth, and dental issues.
Those with Williams Syndrome may also have a broad forehead, puffy eyes, full cheeks, a small chin, and a nose with a flat bridge. Older children and adults often have long faces, wide mouths, and fuller lips.
Individuals with disabilities can benefit from having a direct support professional (DSP) to provide assistance, support, and companionship. A DSP is a person who has been trained to understand the needs of people with disabilities and work in cooperation with them to ensure that their needs are met.
A DSP can help individuals with disabilities access the necessary services, such as education and employment opportunities. DSPs can also provide transportation to medical appointments, activities they may want to attend, and basic living needs such as grocery shopping or laundry.
The presence of a DSP can help individuals with disabilities stay independent by providing the necessary assistance without taking away their autonomy. The DSP can also help them stay connected with their communities, providing access to social activities and resources that may not be available to them otherwise.
By understanding the advantages of having a DSP, individuals with disabilities can make informed decisions about whether or not it is right for them. The individual and their family members or caregiver must discuss their needs with a qualified professional at Linx Community Services to determine if a DSP could provide the necessary support.
If you are looking to hire a direct support professional near you, look at some criteria Linx offers to help guide you in finding the correct professional to care for your loved one.
Contact Linx Community Services today to learn more about our direct support professionals can assist individuals with disabilities.