Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual Disabilities (ID)Historically, perceived

as incapable of caring or learning especially in medical model

Present - Social model stresses independent functional skills.

ID officially replaced mental retardation in legal terminology.

Defining Intellectual Disability...Significantly sub-average

intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive skills and documented as occurring from birth to 18 years (Sherrill, 2004).

Intellectual levels based on IQ under 70 or 75.

Due to variability in intellectual functioning second component added to definition.

Adaptive skills refers to effectiveness or degree with which individual meets standards of personal independence and social responsibility for age & cultural group.

Level of Intellectual Disability (Note: Generalizations)Mild Moderate Severe/Profound

IQ between 50-70

IQ between 35-50

Severe-IQ below 20-35

Profound below 20

Has important relationships

Has important relationships

May develop strong relationships with key people in their

lives

May learn to read and write

Uses certain words Has little or no speech

Travels independently but

may need help with money and

organizing their daily lives.

Needs lifelong support in planning and organization of

their lives

Needs lifelong help in most areas

Intellectual Disability May Affect... Learning Memory Problem solving Planning Other cognitive tasks Social skills Communication skills

Added impairments may accompany ID: -Cerebral palsy (30+%)

-Seizure disorders (8-18% in mild and 30-36 in severe)-Vision impairment (20-25%)-Hearing loss (10%)-Oppositional defiant disorder (0.5-12%)-Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (0.5-11%) (Figures, Harris, 2006)

Causes of Intellectual DisabilityPrenatal Period Perinatal Period Postnatal

PeriodCombined Periods

1.Chromosomal anomaly (DS)

1.Prematurity/postmaturity (41+ wks)

1. Disease (meningitis)

1. Brain trauma

2. Unknown prenatal influences (hydrocephalus)

2.Low birth weight

2. Brain injury 2.Anoxia to the brain

3.Metabolic disorders

3.Labor difficulties

3.Toxic substance (mercury)

3.Tumour/lesions

4.Maternal disease (rubella)

4.Birth injury 4.Metabolic disorders

4.Syphillis

5.Blood incompatibility

----- 5.Malnutrition 5.Idiopathic conditions

6.Maternal care (drugs, alcohol)

----- Degenerative disorders

-------

Prevalence of Intellectual Disabilities

1% of the U.S population

Majority of children mildly affected (90%).

More severe (5%) require more extensive support in educational placements (Horvat et al., 2009).

Boys & girls equally affected

Benefits of Physical Activity for People w/ID

More inactive than peers(Shields et al., 2009).

Lack of opportunity & physiological concerns (Rimmer , 1999)

Low fitness levels/maximal heart rates (Fernhall & Pitetti, 2001), high levels of obesity/body fat (See Figure 1), poor nutritional habits (Humphries et al., 2009)

Possible benefits of PA: Physical fitness/work capacity (Mendonca

et al., 2011) Obesity & related conditions (Casey et al.,

2010) Muscle strength/ Balance/ Quality of Life

(Bartlo & Klein, 2011). Inactivity = Greater risk for certain

cardiovascular disease as well (Temple & Walkley, 2007)

Planning Physical Activity Program Wide spectrum of individuals

with ID... Range of cognitive deficits

indicative of functioning (Horvat & Croce, 1995)

Many deficient in motor development & require specific instructions, time to practice etc.

Physical & motor skills essential for improving functional skills, community integration & leisure/work skills.

Ascertain level of functioning early on...

Be aware of maximal HR especially w/Down syndrome

Lack of motivation (Horvat et al., 1993)??? (See Dolphins video).

Low self-concept = Use positive reinforcement (Croce,1990)

Involve participants in decision making & encourage fun/social interaction (Stanish et al., 2008)

Age-appropriate activities Directions – Brief/Simple/Direct Visual learning (Horvat et al.,

2009). Repetition/routine. Additional time for practice. Parental joke: Three paces: Slow,

slow and slower... Community-based activities

promoted beyond classroom.