Intellectual disability: an approach from the health sciences perspective

Oral health findings in athletes with intellectual disabilities at the NYC Special Olympics

“…It must also be noted that athletes who participate in Special Olympics events are probably not representative of the wider population of individuals with intellectual disability. In general, Special Olympics athletes are higher functioning in terms of intellectual and physical ability when compared with their nonathlete counterparts who are also intellectually disabled, particularly those who are institutionalized 4 . Further studies will be required to determine whether conclusions drawn from Special Olympics athletes can be extrapolated to the entire population of people with intellectual disabilities 15 .…”

“…An increase in intellectual disability has been observed over recent decades, 4 with a reported prevalence ranging from 1.5% in Western countries to 4% in developing nations 5 . In New York state alone, more than 280,000 people are thought to be affected 6 .…”

“…In New York state alone, more than 280,000 people are thought to be affected 6 . Part of the burden posed by having an intellectual disability arises from various related health concerns, 4 among which lies the issue of oral health. Although oral health has been described as both essential for overall well‐being and achievable for all Americans, 3 the U.S.…”

Molecular Genetics of Intellectual Disability

“…In developing countries it tends to be even more frequent, due to environmental factors such as poor health care and malnutrition, among others (Durkin, 2002). The diagnosis of intellectual disability is built upon three main criteria: I) significant sub-average general intellectual functioning; II) limitations in adaptive behaviour in at last 2 of the following skills: communication, self-care, home living, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self-direction, functional academic skills, work, leisure, health and safety; III) onset of the symptoms before 18 years of age (Salvador-Carulla et al, 2008). According to the International Classification of Disease, intellectual disability is defined as a "condition of arrested or incomplete development of the mind, which is specially characterized by impairment of skills manifested during the developmental period, skills which contribute to the overall level of intelligence, i.e.…”

Latest Findings in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research

“…Intellectual disability is one of the most frequent and disabling neurological impairments in school-age children, with an estimated prevalence of 1.5-2% in Western countries . In developing countries it tends to be even more frequent, due to environmental factors such as poor health care and malnutrition, among others (Durkin, 2002 -Carulla et al, 2008). Severe to profound intellectual disability has an estimated prevalence of 0.3-0.5% .…”