Question
What are the challenging factors in the treatment of intellectual disability? Where is the treatment most effective in such cases? What are the treatment methods for intellectual disability?
Answer
Intellectual disability, also known as developmental delay, refers to a slower or incomplete development of brain functions, leading to limitations or difficulties in learning and social adaptation, which are less than those of a typical person. This developmental delay may be noticeable in infancy or childhood, unlike the sudden onset of general diseases or mental illnesses. Intellectual disability is a permanent condition, not a disease or mental illness, and therefore cannot be cured by medication. However, through training, individuals with intellectual disabilities can expand their limited potential, improve their ability to live independently, and adapt to normal life. Treatment should involve a comprehensive approach using medical, social, educational, and vocational training measures, tailored to the patient’s age and the severity of the intellectual disability to achieve the highest possible intellectual level.