Children with intellectual disabilities may exhibit the following characteristics:

Jul 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My nephew is now 4 years old. He generally appears dull and shows little facial expression. He doesn't play with other children and prefers sitting on the sofa watching TV. I wonder whether this child might have some degree of intellectual disability. Could you please tell me what are the common signs of intellectual disability in children?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Intellectual disability, also known as intellectual impairment or delayed intellectual development, refers to significantly below-average intellectual functioning in children during the early developmental stage—that is, before age 18—alongside difficulties in adaptive behavior. Below are some common manifestations of intellectual disability: 1. Delayed cognitive development: The child experiences delays in areas such as language, memory, attention, problem-solving, and learning abilities. He or she may encounter difficulties understanding complex concepts, acquiring new skills, or following instructions. 2. Limited adaptive behavior: Limitations exist in daily living skills, including self-care, social skills, communication, and self-management abilities. For example, children with intellectual disability may require more assistance to complete basic life tasks such as dressing and eating. 3. Language and communication disorders: Children with intellectual disability may experience delays in language development, including late talking, limited vocabulary, simple grammatical structures, and poor comprehension and expressive abilities. 4. Difficulties in social interaction: These children may face challenges in forming relationships with peers and participating in social activities. This may manifest as difficulty understanding social rules, trouble expressing emotions, or feeling isolated within a group. 5. Emotional and behavioral problems: Children with intellectual disability may be more prone to emotional fluctuations, anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues such as impulsivity, aggression, or self-injurious behavior. These problems may be related to their cognitive limitations and social challenges.