Intellectual Disability (ID) Singapore

Experts define intellectual disability as:

Intellectual disability is usually present from birth or early infancy, and hence causes restrictions in the ability to conduct “typical” activities of everyday life.

The most common criteria for diagnosis of ID is Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) which includes:

1. Deficit in intellectual Functioning of: reasoning, planning, solving problems, ability to think abstractly, understanding complex concepts, academic learning, and learning from experience. This should be assessed by a cognitive standardized assessment.
2. Poor ability to function in an age-appropriate manner across all areas of functioning.
3. These started early in age.

The full Criteria for Intellectual Disability can be found in DSM-5.

Intellectual Disability has 4 categories of functioning: Mild, Moderate, Severe and Profound. This will be determined by the score of the cognitive assessment or IQ score as can be obtained by an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) assessment.

• It can be caused by genetic reasons, or the consequence of a disorder that interferes with one’s brain development.
• Many children with intellectual disability do not develop noticeable symptoms until they are in preschool, or when academic demands are presented to them.
• The diagnosis for Intellectual Disability is based on the results of a formal test.
• Support from many specialists, therapy, and special education, help children achieve the highest level of functioning possible.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Dynamics Psychological Practice has the expertise to provide assessments and diagnosis of intellectual disability. We use the gold standard IQ tests for pre-school (WPPSI-IV), school aged children (WISC-V), and adults (WAIS-3). Our specialists can assess the full array of a person's strengths and weaknesses, and these must be considered in determining what kind of support may be needed. Factors such as academic performance, physical disabilities, mental illness, personality problems, and interpersonal skills are all taken into consideration. Furthermore, our therapy services including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Early Intervention Program, are fully equipped to help you and your child achieve the highest level of functioning possible.