Intellectual Disability
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Intellectual disability is a lifelong condition that affects a person’s intellectual skills and behaviour, as their brain and cognition works differently.
Intellectual disability may affect:
- Learning and memory
- Talking and communication
- Developmental milestones and skills.
CAUSES OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
The causes of intellectual disability are varied, but may include:
- Illness or autoimmune response
- Genetic variation
- Trauma or injury
- Affects of substances, drugs or alcohol, including exposure prior to birth
SUPPORTS
A person with intellectual disability may:
- Experience challenges in learning
- Communicate through a device or in a unique way
- Use support from others for decision making
- Prefer information in different formats
- Have other health conditions and needs.