Developmental disability APA

Sample Solution

1. Developmental Disability

Developmental disability is a broad term encompassing conditions that begin early in life and significantly impact a person's development and functioning in multiple areas such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These conditions are typically lifelong.

Full Answer Section

Examples of Developmental Disabilities

• Intellectual Disability: Characterized by deficits in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Symptoms include difficulties with learning, problem-solving, and independent living skills. Individuals may exhibit delayed speech, impaired social skills, and difficulty with abstract thinking.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Symptoms include challenges with eye contact, nonverbal communication, and engaging in reciprocal social interactions. Individuals often display intense focus on specific interests and routines.
• Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders that affect movement and posture. Symptoms include muscle weakness, stiffness, or involuntary movements. Motor skills, such as walking, talking, and eating, may be impaired.

Reference: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.

2. Intellectual Disability (ID)

According to the DSM-5, in addition to deficits in intellectual functions, individuals with Intellectual Disability must also exhibit significant limitations in adaptive behavior, expressed as conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills, relative to cultural and age peers (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Conceptual skills involve language, reading, writing, money concepts, and time concepts. Social skills encompass interpersonal skills, social responsibility, self-esteem, gullibility, and naivete. Practical skills include activities of daily living, occupational skills, and instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., using transportation, handling money).

Assessment and Diagnostic Process

The assessment of Intellectual Disability typically involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes:

• Clinical interview: Gathering information about the individual's developmental history, medical history, and current functioning.
• Intelligence testing: Using standardized IQ tests (e.g., Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) to assess intellectual functioning.
• Adaptive behavior assessment: Evaluating adaptive skills using standardized measures (e.g., Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales).
• Medical evaluation: Ruling out other medical conditions that could contribute to intellectual difficulties.

A diagnosis of Intellectual Disability is made based on a combination of these assessments, considering the individual's overall functioning and limitations in adaptive behavior.