Adults With Intellectual Disabilities
Mental disabilities are of various types. The most common is intellectual disability. Multiple studies have been conducted to determine the number of adults suffering from intellectual disabilities. Cognitive functioning and skills are essential for day-to-day activities. People suffering from developmental disabilities impact their life because they lack cognitive functioning and abilities.
How Common Is Adult Intellectual Disability (IDD)
A person's cognitive functioning helps in acquiring knowledge, understanding it, and taking action accordingly. An adult intellectual disability limits a person's cognitive functioning and skills. This disability can occur at any time, even before birth. So, it is essential to know the early symptoms. Some things confirm that a person has an intellectual disability. They are as follows-
- Low IQ level: TheIQ level of a person reflects their intelligence. If an individual's IQ lies between 70 to 75, it is a confirmation that they are suffering from IDD.
- Lack of adaptive skills: A person needs to have adaptive skills to complete specific tasks. If an individual lacks those skills, there is a high possibility that they have an intellectual disability.
- Difficulty in communication: The communication skills of a person reveal many things. The struggle to communicate or talk also signifies the same condition.
- Unable to remember things: If a person forgets things quickly, it is also a sign of an intellectual disability.
- Trouble understanding social skills: Social skills are crucial for many reasons. But some people are unable to understand social skills. It is a high possibility that they have developmental disabilities.
According to some studies and data, this condition affects 1% of the population. However, 85% of people have mild IDD.
How Does IDD Impacts Quality Of Life?
One of the most common questions is how this disability can affect an individual's life. Well, it depends from person to person. For instance, children with intellectual disabilities find it hard to learn new things. Apart from that, they also struggle while communicating, sitting, and solving problems. All these things play a crucial role in determining the future. The adults have other problems with this condition, but most issues are similar.
Adults with developmental disabilities seem to have more psychological disorders. Mental illnesses can affect their life's day-to-day activities. A health study of adults in Taiwan shows how many adults with intellectual disability experience various problems.
Psychological disorders affect an individual's life in many ways. That is why people with intellectual disabilities have to deal with specific things in their life.
Research On IDD And Nutrition
A person's diet is responsible for a lot of things. Many studies explain the relationship between intellectual disability and nutrition. Well, an individual's metabolism matters a lot for brain functioning. If there is no nutritional value in a diet, it can cause severe problems like intellectual disabilities. As this condition can occur anytime, it is essential to take care of the diet early. For example, a pregnant mother needs sufficient nutrition for the baby's well-being. Similarly, a child also needs a nutritious diet in their childhood. Otherwise, brain functioning might not be as efficient as it should be.
One study also shows that children with cerebral palsy consume less food. Picky eaters also have a difficult time getting the proper nutritional needs. As a result, it affects their body and brain. Hence, intellectual disabilities occur in these individuals. It is always better to check the diet to reduce the possible causes of this condition. A balanced diet should be everyone's goal to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Research on IDD And Mindfulness
Another research has been done by health professionals that explain the relationship between intellectual disability and mindfulness. Mindfulness practices have a positive impact on individuals with intellectual disabilities. But the primary question is how one can teach them these practices. Even though it seems impossible, people have gotten proven results. Their symptoms got reduced with some techniques and methods. As IDD changes a person's behavioral patterns, they can improve with training. This training aims to make people aware of those things they didn't perceive earlier.
Individuals can also learn how to manage and control their emotions in a better way. They help them keep calm whenever anything different happens to them. So, mindfulness has many benefits regarding the same.
Conclusion
Intellectual disabilities can occur due to any reason. Sometimes, it happens in an unborn baby. An accident can also be the reason behind this condition. However, the significant thing that people need to know is how to manage the condition and reduce some harmful effects.