Question
My son rarely smiles since birth, and I didn’t pay much attention at first. It wasn’t until he was over three years old that he started to walk. Seeing other children being lively and active, I am very worried. How can intellectual disability be diagnosed more effectively?
Answer
Intellectual disability refers to a group of disorders where general intellectual functioning is significantly lower than that of age peers, accompanied by adaptive behavior deficits. An IQ below 70, which is generally more than two standard deviations below the population mean, is considered significantly higher than the average. Adaptive behavior includes both personal living skills and adherence to social responsibilities. The developmental period generally refers to individuals under the age of 18. Intellectual disability has various names. Psychiatry refers to it as “mental developmental retardation.” The key to treating intellectual disability in children is early intervention, so if symptoms of intellectual disability are detected, it is important to receive a diagnosis from a professional hospital in a timely manner. Since the diagnosis and treatment of intellectual disability require a high level of technical equipment and expert experience, it is crucial for children with intellectual disability to seek care at regular, professional pediatric hospitals.