Intellectual DisabilityIntellectual Disability is a term used to describe people with significantly below average in thought process (cognitive ability). Both children and adults with this condition show problems in oral language, problems in memory and some problems in learning social norms and values. Persons with Intellectual impairment have difficulties with thought process, learning and problem solving. Intellectual capacity is determined by the intelligence quotient (IQ). There are some standard categories which include very intelligent, intelligent, average and below average. Those who score below average may be regarded as having some intellectual disability. Intelligence Quotient (IQ) has been classified into five categories ranging from severe mental retardation to borderline case. The severe case is abot 20 IQ while the borderline cas is between 70 to 79 IQ. The term mental retardation has been replaced by developmental disability in 2006 by the American Association on Mental Retardation An intellectual impairment may not show in the early satges of life but may become pronounced much later in life. When you have this condition it becomes difficult to advance academically. The personal with disabilities may require the services of an occupational therapist. The occupational therapist focuses on the talents of the person with disabilities to optimise on his/her potential so that she/he lives a meaningful life. It is the duty of the therapist to identify these talents and to exploit them to the full. It is a common belief that poeple with disabilities are not productive yet with the help of specialists they can lead a productive life. The disability rights movements have also helped to dispel this myth that persons with disabilities are not productive. Another factor which has helped to boost the self-esteem of persons with disabilities is the adaptive technology which makes these people do work with ease.
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