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Difference Between Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability
Intellectual disability and developmental disability are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things. Although there may be some overlap in the characteristics of these conditions, it is important to understand the differences between them in order to provide appropriate support and care to individuals who have these disabilities.
What is Intellectual Disability?
Intellectual disability is a term used to describe a condition in which an individual has significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors. Intellectual functioning refers to a person's ability to learn, reason, problem-solve, and understand complex ideas. Adaptive behaviors refer to a person's ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, eating, and communicating effectivmedicely.
Intellectual disability is typically diagnosed in childhood and is characterized by an IQ score of 70 or below, as well as deficits in adaptive behavior. The severity of intellectual disability can vary widely, with some individuals having mild limitations and others having more severe limitations.
Causes of Intellectual Disability − Intellectual disability can have a variety of causes, including genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs, traumatic brain injury, infections or illnesses that affect the brain, and environmental factors such as malnutrition or exposure to toxins.
Treatment and Support for Intellectual Disability − There is no cure for intellectual disability, but early intervention and support can help individuals with this condition to achieve their full potential. Treatment may include educational interventions such as special education programs, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy. In addition, individuals with intellectual disability may benefit from assistive technology and other accommodations that can help them to overcome their limitations.
What is Developmental Disability?
Developmental disability is a term used to describe a broad range of conditions that affect the development of the brain and nervous system. These conditions can affect a person's cognitive, social, and physical development, and may result in delays or difficulties in learning, communication, and daily living skills.
Developmental disabilities can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic conditions, prenatal exposure to toxins or infections, complications during childbirth, and traumatic brain injury. The severity of developmental disabilities can vary widely, with some individuals having mild delays or difficulties and others having more severe impairments.
Types of Developmental Disabilities − There are many different types of developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities. Each of these conditions has its own unique set of characteristics and symptoms, but they all share a common feature of affecting a person's development.
Treatment and Support for Developmental Disability − Like intellectual disability, there is no cure for developmental disability, but early intervention and support can help individuals to manage their symptoms and achieve their full potential. Treatment may include educational interventions such as special education programs, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy. In addition, individuals with developmental disabilities may benefit from assistive technology and other accommodations that can help them to overcome their limitations.
Differences: Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability
The main difference between intellectual disability and developmental disability is that intellectual disability specifically refers to limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, while developmental disability refers to a broader range of conditions that affect a person's development.
Another difference between the two conditions is that intellectual disability is typically diagnosed based on an IQ score of 70 or below, while developmental disability may not have a specific diagnostic criteria. Instead, developmental disability is often diagnosed based on a range of symptoms and characteristics that are present in the individual.
The following table highlights the major differences between Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability −
Characteristics |
Intellectual Disability |
Developmental Disability |
|---|---|---|
Scope |
Intellectual disability is specifically focused on one disorder which is concerned with intellectual and adaptive functioning. |
Developmental disability has a wider scope as it includes various syndromes, congenital blindness, as well as intellectual disability. |
DSM 5 |
The DSM 5 particularly points out “intellectual disability” as one of the disorders under “neurodevelopmental disorders”. |
The term “developmental disability” was not even mentioned; in fact, the closest term is “Global Developmental Delay” which is the diagnosis given to children who are younger than five years old who do not meet several developmental milestones. However, basing on the definition of developmental disability, this encompasses all the disorders under neurodevelopmental disorders and other disorders of childhood and adolescence which include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Specific Learning Disorder, Intellectual Disability, and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. |
Population (United States) |
Around 6.5 million of Americans have intellectual disability. |
Around 200 million of Americans have developmental disabilities. |
Classification |
Individuals with intellectual disability are often categorized according to their severity: mild, moderate, severe, profound. |
Those with developmental disability are usually categorized according to their specific disorders, syndromes, or impairments such as hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, and independent living. |
Age of Onset |
The age of onset of intellectual disability as per diagnostic criteria is during childhood, specifically before 18 years old. |
As for developmental disability, such manifestations should be observed before 22 years old. |
Physical Disabilities |
Intellectual disability does not include physical disabilities in its criteria. |
Developmental disability encompasses physical disabilities such as vision, hearing, speech, and motor disabilities. |
Risk Factors/ Causes |
The common causes for intellectual disability include genetic conditions (fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, Turner’s syndrome, etc.), teratogens (drug use, malnutrition, radiation, illness, etc.), and brain trauma or infections (meningitis, head injury, etc.). It is also important to note that more than half of intellectual disability cases have unknown causes. |
As for developmental disability, its scope is wider; hence, its risk factors and causes include those of intellectual disability as well as other factors like childhood accidents, age of mother during pregnancy, lead poisoning, RH blood disease, infectious diseases, heritability, birth and newborn complications. Many developmental disability cases have also unknown specific causes. |
Conclusion
In summary, intellectual disability and developmental disability are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things. While both conditions can have a significant impact on an individual's life, it is important to understand the differences between them in order to provide appropriate support and care.
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