Chapter 12

Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to:

  • Define intellectual disability;
  • Understand the history of intellectual disability;
  • List and describe the areas of functioning in intellectual disability;
  • Understand causes of intellectual disability;
  • Understand issues related to the diagnosis of intellectual disability;
  • Identify disorders associated with intellectual disability;
  • Understand strategies and adaptations related to working with children with intellectual disability;
  • Describe some methods of teaching early academic and literacy skills to children with intellectual disability.
  1. How do you think children with intellectual disability learn best?
  2. Reflect on your past experiences in your home and school environment. How did other people – relatives, friends, and peers – regard a child with intellectual disability?
  3. How do you think the attitudes of people in your environment and community influenced your own perceptions and attitudes toward individuals with intellectual disability?