Intellectual disability and developmental disability are two separate but related conditions that impact a person’s ability to think and adapt to everyday life. Early diagnosis, intervention, and ongoing support services are essential for helping individuals maximize their abilities and fully engage in society.
The key difference between intellectual disability and developmental disability is that intellectual disability is a specific type of developmental disability that affects only intellectual functioning, while developmental disability is a broad term used to describe disabilities in intellectual functioning as well as other types of disabilities.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is an Intellectual Disability
3. What is a Developmental Disability
4. Similarities – Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability
5. Intellectual Disability vs Developmental Disability in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Intellectual Disability vs Developmental Disability
7. FAQ – Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability
What is Intellectual Disability?
Intellectual disability results in limitations in intelligence and disrupts abilities necessary for living independently. The symptoms of this condition include delayed or slower learning, reduced reading speed, difficulties with reasoning and logic, problems with judgment and critical thinking, distractibility, slower social development, a lack of fear of new people, dependency on parental figures for assistance, difficulty learning how to perform chores, trouble understanding concepts like time management, needing help managing healthcare appointments, difficulty understanding social boundaries, and limited understanding of social interactions. It can be caused by genetic factors, infections, exposure to teratogens, other medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, oxygen deprivation during birth, premature birth, injuries, accidents, toxic exposures, infections, and brain tumors.
Intellectual disability can be diagnosed through IQ testing, blood tests, urine tests, genetic counseling, and imaging tests (brain scans). Furthermore, treatment options for intellectual disability include education support and interventions, behavioural support and interventions, vocational training, family education, various medications that reduce symptoms, and community support.
What is a Developmental Disability?
Developmental disability is present at birth and impacts intellectual abilities, physical abilities, language, and behavior. It is typically identified in childhood and affects a person throughout their life. Developmental disability can be caused by genetic predisposition, birth injuries, older parental age, alcohol or substance abuse during pregnancy, inadequate nutrition in early childhood, exposure to lead, and other medical conditions such as fetal alcohol syndrome, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and infections during pregnancy. Signs and symptoms of this condition include delayed or absent speech, delays in meeting milestones, poor eye contact, limited facial expressions, unusual hand and body movements, unusual reactions to noise, distress over changes, lack of imaginative play, limited pointing, clapping, or waving, restricted imitation, limited interest in others, unusual vocalizations, repetitive behaviors, and sounds.
Development disability can be diagnosed through family history, physical examination, IQ testing, brain scan, blood test, and genetic counselling. Furthermore, treatment options for developmental disabilities may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, behavioural therapy, exercises for fine and gross motor skills, special education services for learning disabilities, surgery, such as heart surgery for Down syndrome, and special diets such as for children with phenylketonuria.
Similarities Between Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability
- Intellectual disability and developmental disability are two related conditions.
- Intellectual disability is a specific type of developmental disability.
- Both have certain similar characteristics.
- Both can be diagnosed through IQ testing, genetic counselling, and blood tests.
- They can be treated through specific medications and therapies.
Difference Between Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability
Definition
- Intellectual disability is a condition that results in a limitation in intelligence and disrupts abilities necessary for living independently.
- Developmental disability is a condition that is present at birth and impacts intellectual abilities, physical abilities, language, and behavior.
Cause
- Causes of intellectual disability include genetic and inheritance factors, infections, teratogens, medical conditions like hypothyroidism, lack of oxygen, premature birth, injuries, accidents, toxic exposure, infections, and brain tumors.
- Developmental disability can be caused by genetic predisposition, birth injuries, older parental age, alcohol or substance abuse during pregnancy, inadequate nutrition in early childhood, exposure to lead, and medical conditions like fetal alcohol syndrome, Down syndrome, and fragile X syndrome, as well as infections during pregnancy.
Signs and Symptoms
- Signs and symptoms of intellectual disability include delayed or slower learning, difficulties with reasoning and logic, problems with judgment and critical thinking, slower social development, and challenges in understanding social boundaries and interactions.
- Signs and symptoms of developmental disability include delayed or no speech, delays in meeting milestones, poor eye contact, limited facial expressions, odd hand and body movements, unusual reactions to noise, and repetitive behaviors and sounds.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of intellectual disability involves IQ testing, blood tests, urine tests, genetic counseling, and imaging tests such as brain scans.
- Diagnosis of developmental disability typically involves assessing family history, physical examination, IQ testing, brain scans, blood tests, and genetic counseling.
Treatment
- Treatment for intellectual disability may include educational support, behavioral interventions, vocational training, family education, medications to manage symptoms, and community support.
- Treatment for developmental disability may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, behavioral therapy, special education services, surgical interventions, and dietary modifications, depending on the specific condition.
The infographic below presents the differences between intellectual disability and developmental disability in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Intellectual Disability vs Developmental Disability
Intellectual disability and developmental disability are two associated conditions. Both these conditions may have similar symptoms. However, intellectual disability is a specific type of developmental disability that affects only intellectual functioning, while developmental disability is a broad term used to describe disabilities in intellectual functioning as well as other types of disabilities. Thus, this is the summary of the difference between intellectual disability and developmental disability.
FAQ: Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability
1. What are the types of intellectual disability?
- There are several types of intellectual disability:
- Mild to moderate intellectual disability
- Severe intellectual disability
- Profound intellectual disability
2. Is intellectual disability a mental condition?
- Intellectual disability refers to lifelong slow intellectual development. Medications have little or no effect on this condition. Mental illness, on the other hand, can be treated with medication, psychotherapy, or other support. Therefore, intellectual disability is not a mental condition.
3. What is the difference between intellectual impairment and disability?
- Intellectual impairment refers to a reduced ability to think, reason, remember things, and solve problems. However, someone with an intellectual disability might take longer to complete tasks and activities and require support to learn.
4. What are the main developmental disabilities?
- The main types of developmental disabilities are autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
5. What are the factors that cause developmental disability?
- Factors include genetics, parental health, and behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, complications during birth, infections the mother might have during pregnancy or the baby might have very early in life, and exposure of the mother or child to high levels of toxins like lead.
Reference:
1. “Intellectual Disability: Supporting Strengths & Adapting to Challenges.” Cleveland Clinic.
2. Wisner, Wendy. “Developmental Disabilities: Types, Causes, Coping.” Verywell Mind.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Girl Sitting on Her Desk Looking Lonely” (CC0) via Pexels