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The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) defines intellectual disability since the disability occurring prior to the chronilogical age of 18 years. This disability causes limitations in intellectual ability, functioning and adaptive behavior of a person. These limitations include conceptual skills, practical adaptive skills, and social skills.

You will find standard tests that help determine if an individual or perhaps a child is suffering from intellectual disability. The most important test that can help determine intellectual disability is the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test. Individuals with an IQ of 70 or below with limitations in a single area of adaptive behavior are said to be struggling with this disability. This brings us to intellectual disability causes. What are the causes that lead to intellectual impairments? Let’s have a look at these causes in detail, in the following paragraphs.

Causes of Intellectual Disability

The causes of intellectual disability include conditions that occur before birth, during birth or after birth, during childhood years. These conditions lead to impaired growth and development of the mind. There are many known causes of this brain development impairment. However, 1 / 3 of those may take a hit with this disability because of unknown reasons. The reasons are divided into the next categories:

Genetic Conditions
One of the common causes of intellectual disabilities is abnormal genes inherited through the child from his parents. Any error in the coding like addition or deletion because of contamination during pregnancy, contact with radiation, etc., can lead to intellectual disabilities. Missing or defective enzymes, chromosomal glitches, gene disorders, etc., may cause this mental disability. The most common genetic conditions that lead to intellectual disabilities include -
Phenylketonuria
Down syndrome
Fragile X syndrome
Prader-Willi syndrome
Williams syndrome
Angelman syndrome
Toxic Chemical Abuse while pregnant
Use of toxic substances like smoking, alcohol, drugs (cocaine), teratogenic medications, etc., can result in many fetal development issues. These substances affect the development of the fetus and prevent brain development. This leads to highly underdeveloped mental abilities along with physical disabilities. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is among the most common causes of mental disability in children. Ladies who consume alcohol during their pregnancy term cause severe intellectual disabilities in their babies. Before one indulges in these addictions, think about the baby in the womb. It is the child who will pay for that mistakes produced by the mother while pregnant, its its life. They are preventable intellectual disabilities, and something should therefore abstain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs while pregnant.

Infections
There are many infections that affect a pregnant woman. The mind rise in the fetus begins about 3 weeks after fertilization. This is the time when it’s highly vunerable to diseases. Infections like contracting rubella during the first trimester, can lead to intellectual disability in the child, along with other birth defects. Other infections like encephalitis, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, syphilis, etc., can lead to intellectual disabilities.

Environmental Toxins
Contact with environmental toxins can lead to mild or moderate to severe mental disabilities in the child. Included in this are ingestion of chemical toxins like lead, mercury and cadmium. Also, exposure to radiations like X-rays, chemicals, etc., can interfere with the brain growth and development of the fetus.

Problems with Childbirth
Ladies who are malnourished mostly give birth to premature babies. These babies have low birth weight and may suffer from numerous health issues. Throughout the birth process, the infant are affected from temporary oxygen deprivation (anoxia) or another birth injuries because of utilization of forceps, prolonged or shortened labor, vacuum birth, etc. When the mother suffers from gonorrhea, or is given excessive painkillers at birth, given careless medical assistance or remains unattended during labor, it could cause intellectual disabilities in the baby. Children who’re born breech or by other unconventional birth methods may also suffer from mild to severe intellectual disabilities. You can read a bit more from the listing of mental disorders.

Problems After Childbirth
Since the baby starts growing, it may be susceptible to many illnesses. Infections such as whooping cough, measles, meningitis, encephalitis, malaria, mumps, allergies, etc., can result in intellectual problems. Children who are physically, mentally and sexually abused show signs of decreased mental ability. Pollutions in the environment, domestic violence, accidental ingestion of poisons, malnutrition, etc., can also result in decrease in mental capability. Acquired brain injuries because of traumatic brain injury, stroke, infections, and drug abuse, may lead to neurodegenerative disorders that impair their mental capability.

There isn’t any specific or permanent intellectual disability treatment. These children are given special counseling along with their parents. Occupational therapy, physical rehabilitation, special learning schools, etc., help these children overcome their disabilities to some extent. One should undergo genetic counseling before conceiving a child, especially if there is a family history of genetic disorders. One should abstain from drug abuse while pregnant and ensure they do not take any medications without the advice of the doctor. Women should make sure they are immunized before they get pregnant. Vaccinations will reduce the chances of catching a devastating infection. Proper nutritional diet and regular antenatal checkups can help prevent intellectual disabilities.

It was by pointing out intellectual disability causes and treatment. Prevention may be the only type in reducing the chances of intellectual disabilities in a child.