What is the difference between intellectual disability and intellectual impairment?

Do you know what the difference between an intellectual and a developmental disability are?

There are many different terms to describe a disability but when it comes down to it, there are two different categories for them: intellectual and developments. While developmental disabilities may encompass people with intellectual disabilities, depending on their condition, they are not the same. Let’s take a look at these two different categories and what they mean.

Intellectual Disabilities

People with intellectual disabilities are known for having below-average cognitive abilities. But these aren’t the only characteristics that define these disabilities. These people often have an intelligent quotient (IQ) between 70-75 or below; significant limitations in the ability to adapt and carry on every day activities like self-care, communicating, and socializing; and show signs of the disability before the age of 18. There are many different causes of intellectual disabilities including physical and genetic factors. Some common syndromes associated with intellectual disabilities include autism, Down syndrome, and fragile X syndrome. Many intellectual disabilities can be caused by genetic conditions, problems during pregnancy or at time of birth, health problems at an early age, or exposure to environmental toxins like lead. These disabilities can impact milestones such as speaking, walking, and being able to take care of their personal needs. While many people fear these individuals will not be able to function as adults, that is not true. A small percentage of people will have serious, lifelong limitations, but with early intervention, appropriate education, and support, adults can lead a satisfying life in the community.

Developmental Disabilities

People with developmental disabilities have severe chronic disabilities that can be cognitive, physical, or a combination of the two. These disabilities often appear before the age of 22 and are likely life-long conditions. The term “developmental disability” is used to encompass intellectual disabilities as well as physical disabilities. Some of these disabilities are solely physical, like blindness, while others are both physical and intellectual disabilities that stem from genetic causes. These disabilities can include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and fetal alcohol syndrome. While developmental disabilities may encompass intellectual disabilities, these two categories are not exactly the same thing. For more information on these two terms or helping a loved one, call Family Service Foundation today.

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Family Service Foundation, Inc. has been serving the greater Maryland area since 1936. This nonprofit organization helps Maryland residents across a span of different areas such as mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse, and provides interpretation for deaf and deaf-blind individuals. To learn more about intellectual or developmental disabilities, visit here. Do you “Follow” and “Like?” Be sure to stay active on our official pages on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest today!

By: James Sleigh

This is a question that frequently comes up in our experience. Here at Camphill Village West Coast, we provide a residential community for those with intellectual disabilities and special needs. So how do we distinguish between intellectual disabilities and mental illness?

Intellectual disability

An intellectual disability means that a person has problems with learning, understanding, processing information and problem solving. There may also be difficulties with communication, social skills and general living skills.

Intellectual disability is usually present from birth and will be evident before adulthood. It is a permanent condition, not an illness or disease.

Intellectual disability cannot be cured or treated with medication. With the right support, people with intellectual disabilities can learn enough life skills to cope and be involved in their community. This where Camphill comes in, providing a secure and active community in which people with intellectual disability can reach their full potential.

Mental illness

Mental illness affects emotions, mood, perceptions and behaviour and can be suffered by people of all levels of intellectual ability.

Mental illness can onset at any age (although it is unlikely to affect children before puberty). It can be a temporary condition, be experienced in cycles, or episodes may recur throughout life.

Mental illness is treated with medication and psychosocial support. With the right treatment those suffering from it can manage their symptoms and live a normal, independent life.

Examples of mental illness include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression.

Intellectual disability is assessed by a psychologist whereas mental illness needs to be diagnosed and prescribed for by a psychiatrist. It's quite possible for a person with an intellectual disability also to suffer from mental illness, in which case that secondary condition will be treated with appropriate medication and support.

If you have any more detailed questions about intellectual disability please feel free to contact Carine on 021 571 8600 or email .

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