What should be done if a child has intellectual disability?

Jul 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My child is 6 years old now, and I always feel that the child appears somewhat dull and has a slow reaction. I would like to ask, if the child has low intelligence, are there any methods to improve it?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
The diagnosis of intellectual disability in children is typically based on clinical evaluation and standardized psychological tests. Below are some treatment approaches: 1. Identify the cause: Parents should promptly take children with intellectual disability to the hospital for examination in order to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment. Only through professional evaluation can the underlying cause of intellectual disability be identified; parents should not make assumptions. 2. Medication: After determining the cause, certain medications may help improve intellectual functioning. Under a doctor's guidance, children may take oral medications such as thyroid hormone tablets, gangliosides, cerebral protein hydrolysates, or piracetam, which may help improve intellectual disability to some extent. These medications should be used in combination with other rehabilitative and training methods. 3. Life skills training: With appropriate treatment and professional home care, children with intellectual disability generally can reach a level close to that of normally developing children. Common home care strategies include training in eating, drinking, dressing, and toileting skills, as well as motor skills such as lifting the head, rolling over, sitting, standing, and walking, which help improve the child's physical coordination. 4. Auditory training: Training and developing good hearing abilities are highly beneficial for language development and intellectual improvement. Infants normally have hearing abilities from birth, and sound localization and source discrimination are key auditory training methods. 5. Dietary management: Proper nutrition is also crucial. It is recommended to feed children foods that benefit brain development, such as protein-rich foods, vitamins, and foods containing various trace elements. Examples include poultry, fish, organ meats, milk, and legumes.