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Essay on Intellectual Disability

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Question 1: Who are the students in this group? In the United States, 4.9% of the population is considered intellectually disabled. In other words, from a base population of 287,572,700 people, 14,144,300 of them have an intellectual disability. In the state of South Carolina, 5.6% of the population has an intellectual disability. This means from a base population of 4,311,200, an estimated 242,600 are considered to have an intellectual disability. This survey included all ages, races, all genders, and all education levels (“Disability Statistics”). Intellectual disability is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. This covers many social and practical skills used in everyday life. This …show more content…

The range of severity of an intellectual disability varies with each individual. Children may take longer to learn common tasks such as speaking, dressing, or eating. Some individuals with intellectual disabilities may be able to live independent lives without extra support. A few have lifelong limitations in functioning and will need paid supports their entire lives. Early intervention and appropriate education play a large role in developing someone with an intellectual disability to be able to lead independent lives in the community (“Intellectual Disability” The Arc). Intellectual disability is diagnosed using IQ tests and standardized tests of adaptive behaviors. Other factors must be considered in these tests to limit bias. The context of community environments, such as an individual’s age, peers, and cultures, must be taken into account when analyzing limitations in functions. The assessments must also be aware of and taken into account cultural and linguistic diversity. Finally the goal of the determining limitations to develop a profile of needed supports so that through a personalized program, over time, the individual will improve (“Intellectual Disability” The Arc). There is no cure for intellectual disability. However, services and plans are available. These may include case management, family support, vocational programs, special

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