INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES – DSM-5

 

 

(Coloured Large Print Version – Easy to Read)

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❓ Question 1 – What are Intellectual Disabilities?

🟦 Answer:
Intellectual Disabilities mean a person’s learning and thinking skills are below average.
They start before the age of 18–22 and can affect:

• 🧩 Thinking and problem solving

• 💬 Communication and social skills

• 🛠 Practical daily life skills

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❓ Question 2 – What are the 3 main areas of difficulty?

🟩 Answer:
According to the DSM-5, the 3 main areas are:

1. Conceptual – understanding, memory, reading, writing, maths.

2. Social – making friends, understanding feelings, social rules.

3. Practical – cooking, cleaning, travel, money management.

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❓ Question 3 – How is Intellectual Disability diagnosed?

🟨 Answer:

• IQ test shows lower than average results.

• Skills check looks at how the person manages everyday life.

• Problems must have started before age 18–22.

• Other health issues or causes are also looked at.

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❓ Question 4 – What levels of support are there?

🟧 Answer:
The DSM-5 describes 4 levels:

1. Mild – can live quite independently with some help.

2. Moderate – needs regular help with learning and daily tasks.

3. Severe – needs a lot of support with self-care and safety.

4. Profound – needs full-time care and supervision.

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❓ Question 5 – How can we support someone with Intellectual Disabilities?

🟥 Answer:

• Give clear instructions – short sentences and repeat if needed.

• Use pictures, symbols, and examples.

• Allow extra time to learn and answer.

• Encourage independence at their own pace.

• Work with families and support workers.

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❓ Question 6 – Why is early support important?

🟪 Answer:

• Helps the person learn more skills while they are young.

• Improves confidence and independence.

• Gives better chances for education, work, and friendships.