Intellectual Developmental Disability

What is an Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD)

Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD) is a condition characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior that originates before the age of 22. Intellectual functioning refers to general mental capacity, such as learning, reasoning, problem solving, etc… The IQ of an individual with IDD is 75 or below. An individual shows signs and is diagnosed before the age of 22 to have an Intellectual Developmental Disability.

What does it look like? Well, it looks like what most people refer to as “Special Needs.” What tends to come to mind with that phrase is someone with Autism, Down syndrome or cerebral palsy. Many of the individuals we serve look just like you and me. The only thing difference is, their understanding of the world around them. They may be 50 years old, but their mind functions like a 12 year old. They may be in their 40’s, but their mind functions and understands at the level of a 4 year old.