Question

What are the characteristics of children with intellectual disability?

Answer

Children with intellectual disability often show early signs such as difficulty breastfeeding, sometimes not suckling at all, and a tendency to vomit easily; they usually have longer sleep times, are very quiet throughout the day, and cry less frequently; they take longer to master various movements (such as sitting, standing, crawling, speaking) compared to normal children; they show little interest in their surroundings and do not look around. By the age of 2-3, they often put blocks or other objects into their mouths; after the age of 2-3, they often dribble saliva; children with intellectual disability may have a sharp or weak cry and a lack of variation in tone; they show no interest in toys and will not play with them even when holding them; they transition from excessive sleep and inactivity as infants to constant movement throughout the day without any purpose.

Question

What are the effective treatment methods for intellectual disability?

Answer

Effective treatment methods for intellectual disability include:

  1. Early intervention: Providing early education and rehabilitation training to help children achieve the greatest potential during their critical developmental period.
  2. Educational programs: Individualized learning plans that combine the cultivation of cognitive, language, and social skills to help children make positive progress.
  3. Physical therapy: Through physical training and exercise, promoting the development of children’s physical functions.
  4. Speech therapy: Through language training and communication skill development, improving children’s oral expression and communication abilities.
  5. Medication: Depending on the child’s specific condition, doctors may consider using medication to improve related symptoms.
  6. Family support: Providing psychological support and guidance to parents and family members to help them better cope with their child’s special needs. Please note that treatment methods should be determined based on the child’s specific situation and the doctor’s advice.