by Valarie Juntunen

Created on: December 21, 2011   Last Updated: December 22, 2011

Intellectual disability is an umbrella term for a wide variety of conditions and disorders that result in difficulties with age-appropriate mental functioning. Intellectual disability is sometimes called intellectual disability disorder or cognitive impairment, although there is some argument about the accuracy of these labels since intellectual disability is not a medical condition that can be treated or cured and it may or may not affect aspects of cognitive functioning beyond intellect. In the past it was known as mental retardation, but this term is generally regarded as derogatory and antiquated.

With intellectual disabilities the symptoms must be present before a child reaches the age of 18. This is because an intellectual disability refers specifically to the difficulty in learning and in developing at an age-appropriate level of mental functioning. After age 18, some conditions can cause a decline in mental function and intellect, but because the person was able to initially learn or develop normally, these conditions are generally referred to as dementia or just cognitive impairments.

During pregnancy there are a wide variety of factors that may result in intellectual disability. Maternal illnesses can cause intellectual disability in the infant. These conditions include rubella, toxoplasmosis, hepatitis B, and syphilis herpes simplex II. In most cases, proper screening, vaccinations or appropriate treatments can reduce the chances of an infant being affected by these illnesses. Sometimes the issue is improper blood flow through the placenta and to the fetus's brain due to partial detachment or rupture of the placenta. It is therefore important that a pregnant woman obtain proper prenatal care.

Fetal exposure to alcohol and various drugs (legal and illegal) are completely preventable causes of intellectual disability. Mothers should be aware of how substances can cross over to the fetus and cause damage to brain development. Genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome and Prader-Willi, however, are more difficult to prevent due to the often recessive nature of these genes. In certain cases, genetic testing or counseling may identify those at risk of having an affected child. It is important that prospective parents know family histories and request such testing if appropriate.

Factors present at birth may also cause intellectual disability. Babies that are born prematurely or are of low birth weight have a much higher chance of

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