PYC2603 - CHAPTER 05 SUMMARIZED
Chapter 5
Intellectual Disability (Intellectual Development Disorder)
INTELLIGENCE AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Throughout recorded history, persons with intellectual and other disabilities have suffered
scorn and rejection from others, largely because of fear and ignorance. Ignorance
resulted in the segregation of children with intellectual disabilities, who were subjected
to inhumane treatment.
Defining and Measuring Children’s Intelligence and Adaptive Behavior
General intellectual functioning is now defined by an intelligence quotient (IQ) that is
based on assessment with one or more of the standardized, individually administered
intelligence tests – these tests assess various verbal various verbal and visual-spatial
skills (such as knowledge of the world, reasoning and similarities and differences) and
mathematical concepts, which together are presumed to constitute the general
construct known as “intelligence”.
The definition of intellectual disability includes not only subaverage intellectual
functioning, but also a subaverage level of adaptive functioning. Adaptive functioning
refers to how effectively individuals cope with ordinary life demands, and how capable
they are of living independently and abiding by community standards – some children
and adolescents may learn to adapt quite well to their environment despite their lower
intelligence as measured by an IQ test.
IQ scores are derived from a standardized table based on a person’s age and test score.
Table 5.1 gives examples of the 3 major categories of adaptive behavior; conceptual,
social and practical adaptive skills. Similar to IQ, these skills are typically assessed using
standardized instruments such as the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System.
Abnormal Child Psychology Chapter 5
, 2
The Controversial IQ
Because intelligence is measured in relation to age mates, IQ generally is stable from
childhood through adulthood. One exception to this general rule is IQ that is measured
during early infancy, when considerable fluctuation can still occur.
Even though the IQ of cognitively delayed infants and young children is unlikely to
change, proper environmental circumstances will help children reach their fullest
potential.
Despite its strong genetic component, mental ability is always modified by experience –
children who live in healthy environments, where caregivers provide appropriate levels
of stimulation and help them manage ambient levels of stress, are most likely to reach
their full potential.
Are We Really Getting Smarter?
The Flynn Effect is the phenomenon of rising IQ scores.
In attempting to explain the Flynn effect, scientists have considered the rising standards
of living, better schooling, better nutrition, medical advances, more stimulating
environments, even the influence of computer games and complex toys.
A relatively permissive and child-focused parenting style has emerged during recent
decades, which may have given children greater facility with language and stronger
overall cognitive capacity.
Are IQ Tests Biased or Unfair?
The controversy in IQ score differences is fueled by researchers who argue that IQ is
80% heritable and therefore largely genetically determined.
Other researchers argue that economic and social inequality are the simplest
explanations for existing group differences in test performance. Poverty and inequality
are linked to poor nutrition, inadequate prenatal care, fewer intellectual resources and
similar realties that can have negative effects on children’s developing intelligence.
FEATURES OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
The special needs of children are sometimes overshadowed by economic and educational
limitations, which require creativity and coordinated assistance on the part of parents,
teachers, and other professionals.
Abnormal Child Psychology Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Intellectual Disability (Intellectual Development Disorder)
INTELLIGENCE AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Throughout recorded history, persons with intellectual and other disabilities have suffered
scorn and rejection from others, largely because of fear and ignorance. Ignorance
resulted in the segregation of children with intellectual disabilities, who were subjected
to inhumane treatment.
Defining and Measuring Children’s Intelligence and Adaptive Behavior
General intellectual functioning is now defined by an intelligence quotient (IQ) that is
based on assessment with one or more of the standardized, individually administered
intelligence tests – these tests assess various verbal various verbal and visual-spatial
skills (such as knowledge of the world, reasoning and similarities and differences) and
mathematical concepts, which together are presumed to constitute the general
construct known as “intelligence”.
The definition of intellectual disability includes not only subaverage intellectual
functioning, but also a subaverage level of adaptive functioning. Adaptive functioning
refers to how effectively individuals cope with ordinary life demands, and how capable
they are of living independently and abiding by community standards – some children
and adolescents may learn to adapt quite well to their environment despite their lower
intelligence as measured by an IQ test.
IQ scores are derived from a standardized table based on a person’s age and test score.
Table 5.1 gives examples of the 3 major categories of adaptive behavior; conceptual,
social and practical adaptive skills. Similar to IQ, these skills are typically assessed using
standardized instruments such as the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System.
Abnormal Child Psychology Chapter 5
, 2
The Controversial IQ
Because intelligence is measured in relation to age mates, IQ generally is stable from
childhood through adulthood. One exception to this general rule is IQ that is measured
during early infancy, when considerable fluctuation can still occur.
Even though the IQ of cognitively delayed infants and young children is unlikely to
change, proper environmental circumstances will help children reach their fullest
potential.
Despite its strong genetic component, mental ability is always modified by experience –
children who live in healthy environments, where caregivers provide appropriate levels
of stimulation and help them manage ambient levels of stress, are most likely to reach
their full potential.
Are We Really Getting Smarter?
The Flynn Effect is the phenomenon of rising IQ scores.
In attempting to explain the Flynn effect, scientists have considered the rising standards
of living, better schooling, better nutrition, medical advances, more stimulating
environments, even the influence of computer games and complex toys.
A relatively permissive and child-focused parenting style has emerged during recent
decades, which may have given children greater facility with language and stronger
overall cognitive capacity.
Are IQ Tests Biased or Unfair?
The controversy in IQ score differences is fueled by researchers who argue that IQ is
80% heritable and therefore largely genetically determined.
Other researchers argue that economic and social inequality are the simplest
explanations for existing group differences in test performance. Poverty and inequality
are linked to poor nutrition, inadequate prenatal care, fewer intellectual resources and
similar realties that can have negative effects on children’s developing intelligence.
FEATURES OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
The special needs of children are sometimes overshadowed by economic and educational
limitations, which require creativity and coordinated assistance on the part of parents,
teachers, and other professionals.
Abnormal Child Psychology Chapter 5
