The essential features of intellectual disability are significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning accompanied by limitations in adaptive functioning in at least two of the following skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self-direction functional academic skills, work, leisure, health and safety. This definition applies when the above characteristics are present in the developmental period.
The abilities of people with intellectual disability vary. Eighty-seven percent of people with intellectual disability are mildly affected, with IQ scores generally between 50 and 70. With appropriate supports, all individuals with intellectual disabilities can lead satisfying lives in their community.
Intellectual Disability can be caused by any condition which impairs development of the brain. Several hundred causes have been discovered, but in about one-third of the people affected, the cause remains unknown. The three major known causes of intellectual disability are Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome.
The causes can be categorized as follows:
Genetic conditions – These result from abnormality of genes inherited from parents or errors when genes combine. Chromosomal disorders happen sporadically and are caused by too many or too few chromosomes, or by a change in structure of a chromosome. Down Syndrome is an example of a chromosomal disorder. Fragile X syndrome is a single gene disorder located on the X chromosome and is the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability. For example, PKU (phenylketonuria), a single gene disorder also referred to as an inborn error of metabolism because it is caused by a defective enzyme. When untreated, PKU can lead to intellectual disabilities.
Problems during pregnancy – Use of alcohol or drugs by the pregnant mother can cause intellectual disability. Recent research has implicated smoking as a factor in increasing the risk of intellectual disability. Other risks include malnutrition, certain environmental contaminants, and illnesses of the mother during pregnancy, such as toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, rubella and syphilis. Pregnant women who are infected with HIV may pass the virus to their child, leading to future neurological damage. Prematurity and low birth weight are often results of prenatal problems and can predict risk for future learning.
Problems after birth – Conditions that cause irreparable damage to the brain can result in intellectual disability. These include accidents such as a blow to the head or near drowning; infections such as pertussis (whooping cough) or measles causing meningitis or encephalitis; and toxins such as lead and mercury.
Other contributors – Poverty and cultural deprivation can contribute to intellectual disability. Children from poor families often receive inadequate medical care putting them at risk for disease conditions that can cause or contribute to intellectual disability. They can have greater exposure to environmental health hazards. Children living in disadvantaged areas may be deprived of many common cultural and day-to-day experiences provided to other youngsters. Research suggests that such under-stimulation can result in irreversible damage and can serve as a cause of intellectual disability.
Contact Southern Alleghenies Service Management Group (SASMG) at (814) 949-2912.
Please contact Bradley Welles at (814) 949-2912, ext. 220 or e-mail bwelles@sasmg.org
To qualify for services, you must be deemed eligible to receive services. The following is what is required:
The essential feature of an intellectual disability is significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning that is accompanied by significant limitations in adaptive functioning in at least two of the following skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self-direction, functional academic skills, work, leisure, health, and safety. The onset must occur before the individual’s 22nd birthday.
Home and Community Information System (HCSIS): HCSIS is a Web-enabled information system that serves as the information system for DHS program offices that support the Home and Community-Based Services Waivers (including ODP).
Office of Developmental Programs: Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is a state office within Department of Public Welfare (DPW) which sets policy, allocates funds and administers services for persons with intellectual disabilities.
Individual Support Plan (ISP): A plan for each individual developed with the person and the people they choose, which will include specific services and supports, their frequency and duration. The Individual Service Plan will be the foundation for the individual budget.
Person Centered Planning (PCP): A process which helps individuals identify how they want to live their lives and what supports they need to achieve their desired outcomes. Individuals choose people who are important in their lives to be part of the process.