Intellectual Disability (Mental Retardation)

Educational Gap The approach to genetic testing in the evaluation of intellectual disability is changing with the introduction of newer techniques, such as microarray testing. Objectives After reading this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand the terminology and definitions relevant to individuals who are intellectually disabled. 2. Be aware of the epidemiology, clinical presentations, and causes of intellectual disability (ID). 3. Know how to carry out an evaluation for the cause of a child's ID, realizing that in many cases a cause cannot be identified, and know how to assess the child's strengths and weaknesses. 4. Be aware of the latest trends in genetic testing in identifying the causes of ID. 5. Know the conditions that commonly coexist with ID and know proper medical followup. 6. Understand what is involved in the education of children and adolescents with ID, as well as reasonable expectations. 7. Be aware of ways to help an intellectually disabled youth transition to adulthood.