Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability is lifelong neuro-developmental condition, characterised by an impairment in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. Intellectual functioning refers to the individual’s general intelligence (IQ), whilst adaptive functioning refers to the individual’s ability to function or cope with everyday tasks. These everyday tasks are centred around three domains:
- Conceptual skills – reading, writing, maths, reasoning, knowledge, and memory
- Social skills – empathy, social judgement, the ability to make and retain friendships
- Practical skills – personal care, organising school and work tasks
Intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour are two separate constructs that complement each other. Significant impairments in each is necessary to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of intellectual disability. With appropriate assistance, children and adults with intellectual disability can learn new information and lead a fulfilling life.
The Benefits of Assessment
- Help understand how an intellectual disability is impacting on learning
- Assist teachers in developing Individual Learning Plans (IPLs)
- Assist with developing effective plans or accommodations in learning or workplace environments
- Assist with government or school disability funding, special needs teachers or special provisions
Test Used for Assessments
Our experienced psychologists provide intellectual disability assessments for children 6 years and above, adolescents, and adults, utilising the following assessment tools;
- Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fifth edition (WISC-V Australian Standard) for children aged 6 to 16 years
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth edition (WAIS-IV Australian Standard) for ages 16 to 90 years
- Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System – Third edition (ABAS-III) for ages from birth to 89 years
Assessment Process
- Initial appointment to perform a through interview in order to obtain all relevant background
- Administration of WAIS-IV/WISC-V and ABAS-III
- Your psychologist will complete a comprehensive report, including any relevant diagnoses, suggestions for intervention and recommendations for home and school
- Feedback session to discuss the results of the cognitive assessment and the report