Not long ago, yet in a dark past, individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disorders were permanently isolated from the rest of society. Our incomplete understanding of these conditions often led us to feel ashamed of our family members, fearing contact with such individuals due to their atypical behaviors that deviated from accepted norms. Advances in medicine, psychology, and modern diagnostic methods have enhanced our understanding of the challenges many face. Furthermore, we have learned how to assist them effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Historically, the terminology used to categorize subtypes of intellectual disability often seems unfortunate in today\u2019s context. Presently, we recognize three degrees of intellectual disability: mild, moderate, and severe. In common parlance, the term \u2018delayed\u2019 is frequently used, accurately reflecting that this disorder causes brain development, manifest in intellect and emotions, to remain at a childlike level regardless of actual age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the challenges faced by intellectually disabled individuals, those with mild to moderate levels can successfully integrate into society. However, appropriate therapeutic intervention, starting in early childhood, is essential. Due to significantly slower neurological development, intellectually disabled individuals often struggle to comprehend more complex human behaviors. They tend to take others\u2019 words literally, missing nuances like irony. They also have difficulty understanding others\u2019 emotions and often express their own in a direct and sometimes abrupt manner, typical of early childhood developmental stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nevertheless, these individuals possess many strengths. Overcoming prejudices and stereotypes can reveal that they are endowed with remarkable talents, allowing them to become socially valuable citizens like anyone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders is autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is characterized by difficulties in social functioning, intense interests, atypical sensory processing, and repetitive, inflexible behavior. According to the still active ICD-10 catalog of diseases and disorders, distinctions were made between childhood autism, atypical autism, and Asperger\u2019s syndrome, the latter being considered a milder form of the disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The development of ICD-11 introduced significant changes in classification. Observations by clinicians and therapists working with individuals on the spectrum revealed the challenge of categorizing a patient into a specific subtype of the disorder. Consequently, it was proposed that individual difficulties in behavior and development, such as intellectual abilities and the development of functional language, should be the criteria for determining the specific subtype within the spectrum. This approach allows for a clear identification of the areas of social functioning a patient struggles with, leading to a more appropriate and helpful selection of therapeutic interventions to support their development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We recommend:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n