Intellectual Disability
The level of intellectual disability is classified by IQ, and ranges from mild to profound. However, it is more common these days to classify levels of support needs. For example intermittent support needs, limited support needs, extensive support needs or high support needs. A person's support needs can change over time, and relate strongly to the supportiveness of physical environment and other contextual issues (such as access to technology or structured routines).
It may take longer for the person to process information and effectively communicate with other people. Tasks may need to be broken down into steps and the person with an intellectual disability may undertake several or all of the steps required to complete the task. Instruction provided should be clear and direct.
Strategies that can be helpful include:
- Talk directly to the person
- Maintain eye contact (it shows respect and courtesy and indicates you are listening and trying to help)
- Speak using simple sentences
- When teaching a new task, show the person how to do it by firstly doing the task yourself a few times, then help the person do it themselves.
- Take the time to listen to the person and feed back their answers to ensure you understand
- Don't be offended by a lack of response. If this happens, try wording your question differently.
- Allow time for the person to take in and respond to information