As I promised….Hot off the press, (I had to look through years of notes and make sure the information is up to date as some of my information has evolved since I graced the doors of Academia…lol). Also thank you for following and reading my monthly mental lol health blog.
Part of 1 of intellectual Disabillities disorders: Part 1 of 3
Hi, welcome to Talking with Donna. I am glad you can join me. So far, we have discussed many aspects of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD). By now, we understand that these disorders can sometimes overlap with other conditions or appear within the same subcategories of SLD. Today, we willl discuss intellectual disabilities.
I hope this series has been helpful for some and informative for others. These are just a few examples of the many forms of Specific Learning Disorders. It is important to understand that SLDs can vary in severity and presentation from person to person. Some individuals may experience a combination of symptoms that do not neatly fit into one category. Proper diagnosis and treatment by a qualified mental health professional are essential for effective support and management.
Before we get to the “meat” of this blog, let me share a few things about the month of July…
Historical Point for July
One of the most significant events associated with July is July 4, 1776, when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of the United States as an independent nation.
Other important July events include:
- July 20, 1969 – Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the Moon.
- July 26, 1990 – The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, protecting the rights of people with disabilities.
Happy Phrase for Today
“Today is a gift. Smile with gratitude, walk in faith, and let kindness be the light you share with others.”
Meditation for Today
Take a few slow breaths. As you inhale, think, “I receive peace.” As you exhale, think, “I release worry.” Allow yourself to rest in the present moment, trusting that each new day brings fresh opportunities, renewed strength, and hope.
How Did July Get Its Name?
The month of July was originally called Quintilis, meaning “fifth month” in the ancient Roman calendar.
It was later renamed July in honor of Julius Caesar after his death in 44 BC because he was born during this month and reformed the Roman calendar.
History of July
July is the seventh month of the modern calendar and has 31 days. It is often associated with:
- Summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Freedom and independence.
- Family vacations.
- Outdoor celebrations.
- Growth and abundance.
Special Days in July
Some well-known observances include:
- July 1 – International Joke Day
- July 4 – Independence Day (U.S.)
- July 7 – World Chocolate Day
- July 11 – World Population Day
- July 17 – World Emoji Day
- July 18 – Nelson Mandela International Day
- July 24 – International Self-Care Day
- July 26 – Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary
- July 28 – World Nature Conservation Day
- July 30 – International Day of Friendship
Now on with the show as BOZO use to say………..
Intellectual Disabilities
(*Disclaimer: If you or anyone you know are challenged with mental health challenges, please seek professional mental health services. This information is not for replacement of diagnosing or a substitute for treatment or therapy. This information is for educational purposes only. *).
What Is an Intellectual Disability?
An intellectual disability (ID) is a developmental condition that begins during childhood. It affects a person’s ability to learn, reason, solve problems, and perform everyday life skills. People with intellectual disabilities can continue to learn and grow, but they often benefit from individualized support and instruction.
Another Name
The preferred modern term is Intellectual Disability (ID).
Older terms you may still encounter include:
- Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) (when referring to a broader group of developmental conditions)
Older labels such as “mental retardation” are now considered outdated and offensive in most settings and have largely been replaced by “intellectual disability.”
Characteristics of Intellectual Disability
Some common characteristics may include:
Cognitive
- Learns more slowly than peers.
- Difficulty with reasoning and problem-solving.
- Challenges understanding complex ideas.
Communication
- Delayed speech or language development.
- Difficulty expressing thoughts clearly.
- May need extra time to understand instructions.
Daily Living Skills
- Needs support with dressing, cooking, money management, or personal care.
- Learns routines through repetition.
Social Skills
- Difficulty interpreting social cues.
- May be very trusting.
- Benefits from guidance in relationships and decision-making.
Academic Skills
- Reading, writing, and math may develop more slowly.
- Often learns best with hands-on instruction and repetition.
Strengths
Every individual is unique. Many people with intellectual disabilities have strengths in areas such as:
- Kindness and empathy.
- Creativity.
- Strong memory for routines.
- Determination.
- Artistic or musical abilities.
- Building meaningful relationships.
With appropriate education, support, and opportunities, many people with intellectual disabilities live fulfilling, productive, and independent lives to the greatest extent possible.
It’s important that a professional psychiatric evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Join me next week for more information where we will continue our discussion on intellectual disabilities. Next week we will follow with:
What are some of the challenges people affected with this disease face?
*What can individuals do to offset symptoms of intellectual disorder?
*What types of exercises are suitable for intellectual disorder?
* What type of Yoga moves are beneficial to people challenged with intellectual disorder?
My Thoughts Donna
If someone you love is living with dyscalculia, remember that patience, encouragement, and understanding can make a tremendous difference. Focus on strengths rather than limitations. With the right support, accommodations, and self-confidence, individuals with intellectual disabilities can thrive in school, work, and everyday life. Learning differently does not mean learning less. It simply means finding the path that works best for you.
Thank you for continuing to support me. Last post I said I would do a monthly post on mental health challenges, well there is a lot of information I want to cover with neurodevelopemental disorder, and I feel I would be doing you a dis-service by limiting it too one or even 2 part of the subject matter, So, it is a series of information I will be sharing with you.
Oh, I hope you had a chance to check out the web page for “Fit By Any Means in Hammond Indiana” or if you. Live in that area go check it out tell them Donna sent you.I like for you to join me here on my Blog “Talking with Donna” where I will continue to provide information on mental health.
Also, you can listen to my podcast also named “Talking with Donna”, where I provide meditation for stress relief or just for relaxation and although they are old (as I haven’t had a chance to record new meditation as of yet, due to the change in the tools you can use now, and my inabilities to figure it out as of yet. I ask, If you haven’t already, please check it out). I can be found on these platforms: Spotify, Apple podcast, Google podcast, Overcast, Stitcher, Amazon music, Pocket cast and iHeart Radio.
Although the podcast are older they are still relavent to and for today’s atmosphereI please continue to bear with me as this new set up is not easy for an Old Gal like me to maneuver through.
I thank you.
Donna
