Purpose
The purpose of this topic is to provide information on Intellectual Disability in Infants and Children. This topic aims to expand the knowledge base and capacity of pre-professionals, educators, and service providers. The Intellectual Disability topic includes the following materials: (a) syllabus, (b) professional development guide (slide deck), (c) case study, (d) learning activities, (e) multimedia illustrations, and (f) resources. This topic can also be adapted by faculty for use as course materials.
The sections of this topic are designed to be flexible. Sample syllabi serve as a resource to help you consider the key sections and content to include in a syllabus, as well as ideas for content specific to each topic area. PD guides can be used in their entirety to cover multiple PD sessions. Specific content in the topics, PD guides, multimedia illustrations (videos), learning activities, and resources can be used individually to enhance existing course content.
Objective
As a result of active participation and successful engagement with this topic, students will be able to:
- Describe the characteristics of, classifications for, and prevalence of intellectual disability.
- Explain the processes for diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and evaluations for intellectual disability for children.
- Describe the different services and supports available for children with an intellectual disability and their families.
- Develop support plans for children with intellectual disabilities and for families with children with intellectual disabilities across home and school settings.
Sample Syllabus
PD Guide
PowerPoint:
Introduction to Intellectual Disability
This presentation provides an overview of the definitions, causes, classifications, and supports for children with intellectual disabilities, emphasizing early identification and family-centered intervention. It reviews key diagnostic frameworks from IDEA, APA, AAIDD, and WHO, highlighting deficits in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior that impact daily life. The presentation explores diagnostic processes, assessment tools, and distinctions between mild and severe intellectual disability, while examining co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, autism, and sensory impairments. Educational sections focus on individualized supports, inclusive teaching, and recreation-based socialization, with guidance for addressing behavioral and emotional needs. Through case studies, videos, and reflection activities, participants learn to design plans for children and families that strengthen collaboration, trust, and inclusive participation across home, school, and community settings.
Case Study
Case Study: Intellectual Disability
Eli is a 4-year-old boy with Smith-Magenis Syndrome, presenting with global developmental delays, sensory processing challenges, and emerging behavioral concerns. Follow Eli and his family as they navigate diagnosis, assessment, IFSP planning, and early intervention services.
Learning Activities
Multimedia Illustrations
- Title with a description
- Link to video
- Suggested citation
- Length of the video
- EI/ECSE standard
- DEC Recommended Practice
Resources
- American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD): Educational Videos
- The Arc
- Birth to 5: Watch me Thrive!
- Bright Futures
- Center for Parent Information & Resources: Intellectual Disability
- CDC: Developmental Disabilities
- CDC: Learn the Signs. Act Early
- CDC: Watch me! Celebrating milestones and sharing concerns
- Community of Practice for supporting families with IDD
- The Early Childhood Personnel Center (ECPC): Video library
- NIH: Eunice Kennedy Shrive National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Special Olympics: Center for Inclusive Health
- IRIS: Inclusion of students with significant cognitive disabilities: Supports in the general education classroom
- MHDD Center: Intellectual Disability 10