KAIH - Kenya Association of the Intellectually Handicapped

Intellectual disability (sometimes referred to as mental retardation) is a condition where people have significant learning difficulties due to incomplete cognitive development. A person with an intellectual disability has life-long developmental needs. He/she requires assistance and support to lead a normal life in the family and community. Areas where the individual requires support are likely to include communication, self-care, home living, social skills, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure and work.

Intellectual disability is characterized both by a significantly below-average score on a test of mental ability or intelligence and by limitations in the ability to function in areas of daily life. Children with intellectual disability can and do learn new skills, but they develop more slowly than children with average intelligence and adaptive skills. There are different degrees of intellectual disability, ranging from mild to profound. A person's level of intellectual disability can be defined by their intelligence quotient (IQ), or by the types and amount of support they need.  People with intellectual disabilities generally have an IQ below 70.

People with intellectual disability may have other disabilities as well. Examples of these coexisting conditions include cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, vision impairment, and hearing loss. Children with severe intellectual disability are more likely to have additional disabilities than are children with mild Intellectual Disability.There are many different types of Intellectual Disability - click on the links below to find out more.

• Developmental Disability
• Slow Learners
• Learning Disability
• Autism
• Cerebral Palsy
• Epilepsy
• Dyslexia

Source: Centre for Disease Control and Prevention