Introduction

Intellectual disability (ID) is a lifelong condition that affects learning and behaviour.

Children with ID learn more slowly than other children. They may also have developmental delays early in life.

ID affects:

• intellectual skills – meaning skills like learning, memory, problem-solving, and reasoning
• adaptive behaviour - meaning everyday skills like talking, eating, dressing, toileting, and making friends.

ID can be caused by:

• genetic conditions – for example, Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome
• head or brain injuries
• infections around the brain, like meningitis
• complications during birth, like not having enough oxygen.

Some children with ID show signs before five years old. They may have delays in reaching different developmental milestones. 

• Developmental delay is when a child takes longer than expected to learn certain skills.
• Global developmental delay means several skills are developing more slowly than expected.

Other children with ID may not show signs until they start school, when learning and social differences become more noticeable.

Children develop skills like walking, talking, and looking after themselves at different rates. Some take longer than others.

If you are concerned that your child is not developing skills, speak to your:

• child and family health nurse
• child’s teachers
• local doctor
• paediatrician.

ID can be diagnosed in children under 18 years old by a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. 

It is diagnosed using formal tests called “cognitive assessments”.

Cognitive assessments may include activities like: 

• naming and remembering pictures
• completing puzzles and patterns
• answering questions
• doing independent and everyday living skills. 

Your child's psychologist or psychiatrist will: 

• gather information from parents, carers, teachers, therapists, and doctors
• watch your child in everyday settings, like school or child care
• check for other health conditions related to ID
• help plan the next steps for getting support.

There is no cure or treatment for ID, but early support for learning can make a big difference.

Children with ID will learn and develop new skills at their own pace. They will often need more time and practice than other children of the same age. 

Once your child is diagnosed with ID, their medical team can help you arrange extra support at school and home.

Every child with ID is different. Some may need a little help, while others may need more support in certain areas. 

Support needs can vary depending on the child and the skills they are learning, and may change throughout their life. 

Translated factsheets may not reflect the current information in English