What is an Intellectual Disability?
Intellectual Disability involves difficulties with general mental abilities relating to adaptive and intellectual functioning. The main signs include difficulties within thinking and understanding content which consequently impacts on communication and independent living skills. Intellectual disability can be diagnosed across the lifespan and a diagnosis is categorised by how severely adaptive functioning is impacted to determine level of supports needed; mild, moderate, severe or profound.
Common signs of Intellectual Disability include:
Difficulties understanding new information or abstract concepts
Slow processing of information
Memory difficulties
Inability to connect actions with consequences
Socialisation issues
If you or your child exhibits one or more of these signs, it is recommended that you seek further professional medical advice. Early recognition of Intellectual Disability can help you or your child to gain the appropriate supports reach their full potential and aid in customising learning to achieve optimal quality of life.
Getting a Diagnosis
Gaining a diagnosis for Intellectual Disability involves comprehensive evidence-based assessments by an experienced psychologist.
Here at the Mind Body Practice, an Intellectual Disability assessment with one of our qualified psychologists will typically include:
1. Initial clinical interview and completion of questionnaires to gather comprehensive background information such as developmental, social, and educational history.
2. Administration of Intellectual Disability assessments by a trained psychologist, which typically includes:
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition (WISC-V) OR Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)
Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III) (for children)
Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System - Third Edition (ABAS-3)
3. Feedback session and comprehensive written report within four weeks of the assessment date.
Benefits of gaining an Intellectual Disability Diagnosis
Gaining a diagnosis may enable your child to gain further support through their school, and you may be eligible to gain financial assistance through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to fund services to improve your child’s development and skills through multiple services such as tutoring service, psychotherapy and more. With the right support and treatment, many individuals with Intellectual Disability go on to lead relatively independent and meaningful lives.
How do I book in for an Intellectual Disability Assessment?
To book an assessment, or to simply discuss if an assessment is right for you, please contact our friendly reception on (02) 8091 7867 at The Mind Body Practice. We are located in Parramatta CBD & Bella Vista.
A GP referral is not required. For further information, contact us for pricing information and organise a complimentary 10-minute phone call with one of our friendly psychologists to answer any questions you may have.
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