Is Intellectual Disability (I.D.) the same as Developmental Disability (D.D.):

Is Intellectual Disability (I.D.) the same as Developmental Disability (D.D.):

No, intellectual disability and developmental disability are not exactly the same, although they are related concepts.

Intellectual disability refers to limitations in intellectual functioning (such as reasoning, learning, and problem-solving) and adaptive behavior (activities of daily life such as communication and self-care). It is characterized by an IQ below a certain threshold (usually around 70) and significant difficulties in functioning in everyday life.

Developmental disability, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses various impairments that may arise before the age of 22 and can affect physical, cognitive, or emotional development. Intellectual disability is one type of developmental disability, but there are others, such as autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy.

In summary, while intellectual disability is a specific type of developmental disability, not all developmental disabilities involve intellectual limitations. Developmental disabilities can manifest in various ways, affecting different aspects of a person’s development.

Shervan K Shahhian