Treatment of Intellectual disability

Treatment of Intellectual disability

Special schools and individualized therapy programs can maximize the potential of an individual with intellectual disability.

Treatment of the person diagnosed with intellectual disability mainly involves teaching adaptive, self-help and social skills and other rehabilitative measures. The treatment plan and outcome depend on the severity of retardation.

Mild cases can be enrolled into special schools where basic reading, writing and other academic subjects and occupational skills can be taught. Budgeting, money management and simple calculations are included in the curriculum. Classes for the moderately and severely affected mostly aim at training in self-help and safety issues. Training on simple jobs and repetitive jobs can be given. The profoundly affected need hospitalization or constant care, along with care and supervision in the daily routine.

The training of the intellectually disabled includes planned therapy sessions and goal-setting.

• Target areas of improvement are identified
• Specific skills are divided into simple components
• Simple activities, play sessions are carried out for specific targets
• Adequate reinforcements and rewards are enforced
• Slow progression to complex behaviors are aimed
• The successful behavior changes are incorporated into real life situations

Many special institutions and special schools are available for the intellectually disabled, which can offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, training with special assistive devices, family counseling and even nutrition services. Individualized Educational Program, or IEP, aims to make adaptations, accommodations and modifications that can enhance the child's learning abilities and succeed in achieving maximum possible life skills.

The rehabilitation services for the intellectually disabled can be obtained through special education, clinical programs, social services and vocational rehabilitation.

References:

1. Intellectual disability - (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_disability)
2. Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - (http://www.aboutourkids.org/families/disorders_treatments/az_disorder_guide/mental_retardation/diagnosis)