Understanding Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
By Communicare
According to The Commonwealth Fund, a staggering 22.6 million adults have a disability: 51 percent have mobility issues, while 38 percent have cognitive deficits. More than 7 million adults in the United States live with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
IDD is a disorder that once fell under the “mental retardation” umbrella. As a society, we have grown and have recognized the negative connotation of the term “retardation” and its other forms, words that add to the stigma surrounding the disability.
Yet, lack of understanding surrounding adults struggling with IDD remains one of the biggest causes of stigma on the issue. And the negative attitude or discrimination against those with IDD remains the most significant obstacle preventing social inclusion and developing more supportive programs.
Education can help destigmatize IDD; we need to help our society understand the daily lives — the joys and challenges — of those with IDD and their loved ones.
What is IDD?
IDD stands for intellectual and developmental disabilities and has also often been referred to as intellectual development disorder.
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) operates in 55 countries worldwide, advocating for the rights of those with IDD since 1876. AAIDD defines IDD as “a disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior.”
Deficits in intellectual functioning include problem solving and reasoning. Adaptive behavior, on the other hand, refers to practical skills, social skills and conceptual skills. People with IDD have limitations with these skills, making it challenging to participate in daily life activities.
IDD is characterized by deficits in general intellectual functions, such as:
● Academic learning
● Experiential learning
● Reasoning
● Judgment
● Abstract thinking
IDD also includes developmental disabilities, an umbrella term that includes physical developmental disabilities, such as:
● Muscular dystrophy
● Speech disorders
● Spina bifida
● Visual impairment
● Cerebral palsy
Improving Access to Preventive Care and Support Services
According to AAIDD, the disability typically originates before the age of 22. Because IDD can limit a person’s ability to communicate or reason, many do not get the medical attention or preventive care they need. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals with disabilities have less access to adequate health care and, as a result, suffer from poorer overall health compared to those without disabilities.
Adults with IDD are also at a greater risk of developing preventable secondary conditions, such as:
● Obesity
● Dental diseases
● Depression and other mental health issues
● Bowel problems
● Diabetes
● Bladder issues
● Fatigue
● Ulcers
● Injury
These secondary conditions are the results of the primary condition. Therefore, had there been proactive care and a preventive program in place to intervene, these secondary conditions would not develop and add to the existing burden. Whether a direct or indirect relationship causes the secondary condition, the development of the second condition may have been avoidable.
This National Intellectual and Developmental Disability Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to become advocates for improving policies and programs for those with IDD. At Communicare, we provide a broad spectrum of services to support individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Contact us to learn more about how we ensure those with IDD become a vital part of our communities.
Call our 24-hour Crisis Line at any time for anyone experiencing substance abuse, mental health or IDD crisis: 866–837–7521.
