💛 Module 1 – Special Needs & Learning Disabilities

 

Topic: Intellectual Disability (Intellectual Developmental Disorder – DSM-5-TR)

Target audience: Students, parents, carers, educators, and professionals

Learning aims:
By the end of this module, learners will:

• Understand what an intellectual disability is

• Know how it is diagnosed using DSM-5 / DSM-5-TR criteria

• Understand levels of severity and support needs

• Recognize causes and support strategies

• Understand rights, inclusion, and the role of families and carers

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1️⃣ What are Special Needs?

• Conditions that make learning, daily tasks, or socialising harder

• May require support at school, home, or work

• Can include intellectual disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, sensory difficulties, or mental health issues

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2️⃣ What are Learning Disabilities?

• Affect how a person learns and processes information

• Can be lifelong

• May affect reading, writing, reasoning, or memory

Difference between learning disabilities and difficulties:

• Disabilities: affect overall thinking and learning ability

• Difficulties (like dyslexia): affect specific skills, but overall thinking is typical

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3️⃣ How People Can Be Supported

• Early assessments and interventions

• Individualised education plans (IEPs in US / EHCPs in UK)

• Support with communication, daily tasks, social skills, and learning

• Family, school, and community support

• Encouraging strengths: creativity, empathy, memory, problem-solving

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4️⃣ DSM-5 / DSM-5-TR Definition of Intellectual Disability

Also called: Intellectual Developmental Disorder

Key points:

• Starts before age 18

• Affects intellectual functioning (thinking, reasoning, learning)

• Affects adaptive functioning (daily life, social skills, independence)

• Diagnosis is not based on IQ alone

• Supports are based on real-life functioning, not test scores

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Key Aspects

Terminology update:

• Outdated term “mental retardation” → now Intellectual Disability / Intellectual Developmental Disorder

Three core diagnostic criteria:

1. Deficits in intellectual functioning

   • Problems with reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, learning from experience

   • IQ testing may be used (~65–75 typical reference), but IQ alone is not enough

2. Deficits in adaptive functioning

   • Conceptual: reading, writing, numbers, money, time

   • Social: communication, relationships, empathy, understanding social rules

   • Practical: personal care, daily tasks, school or work tasks

3. Developmental onset

   • Begins in childhood or teenage years

   • Confirms it is developmental, not acquired later in life

Severity levels

• Mild / Moderate / Severe / Profound

• Based on support needs, not just IQ

Focus:

• How well a person manages real-world tasks

• Daily support needs matter most

• With support, people can live full and meaningful lives

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5️⃣ Easy Read Version (Plain Language + Symbols)

What is Intellectual Disability?

• Starts before age 18

• Affects learning and daily life

• Not laziness – it is a developmental condition

How doctors diagnose it (DSM-5-TR):
1️⃣ Thinking & learning problems:

• Understanding information

• Solving problems

• Learning at school

• Remembering things

• IQ test may be used (~70), but IQ alone is not enough

2️⃣ Daily life skills:

• Conceptual: reading, writing, numbers, money, time

• Social: talking to people, understanding feelings, making friends

• Practical: personal care, daily routines, work tasks

3️⃣ Start before age 18:

• Problems begin in childhood or teenage years

Support levels:

• Mild / Moderate / Severe / Profound

• Based on daily life support needs

Important:

• People can live full lives with the right support

• IQ alone does not define a person

• Daily skills matter most

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6️⃣ PowerPoint Slide Version (Short Bullets, Symbol-Friendly)

Slide 1 – Title
Intellectual Developmental Disorder
(Intellectual Disability – DSM-5-TR)

Slide 2 – What is it?

• Neurodevelopmental condition

• Starts before age 18

• Affects learning and daily life

• Lifelong, but support helps

Slide 3 – DSM-5-TR Diagnosis
All three must be present:

• Intellectual difficulties

• Adaptive functioning difficulties

• Developmental onset

Slide 4 – Intellectual Functioning
Difficulties with:

• Reasoning & problem-solving

• Learning at school

• Understanding information

• IQ test may be used (~70), not only factor

Slide 5 – Adaptive Functioning
Difficulties in daily life:

• Conceptual: reading, writing, numbers, time

• Social: communication, relationships

• Practical: personal care, work tasks

Slide 6 – Severity Levels

• Mild

• Moderate

• Severe

• Profound

• Based on support needs, not just IQ

Slide 7 – DSM-5-TR Updates

• Name aligned with ICD-11

• No extra criteria added

• IQ cut-offs flexible

• Language updated for respect

Slide 8 – Key Message

• Focus on real-life skills

• Support improves independence

• Respectful language matters

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7️⃣ Student / Parent-Friendly Summary

Intellectual developmental disorder (intellectual disability) begins in childhood and affects learning and everyday life. Diagnosis uses DSM-5-TR criteria: difficulties with thinking, problem-solving, and daily activities. Severity is based on support needs, not just IQ. With understanding and support, people with intellectual disabilities can live meaningful, independent lives.