Facts on Cognitive Disabilities
People with cognitive disabilities (formerly termed mental retardation) constitute one of America's largest groups of citizens with disabilities.
In the United States:
6.2-7.5 million individuals have a cognitive disability
125,000 children are born with a cognitive disability each year
1 out of every 10 Americans has a family member with a cognitive disability
Cognitive disabilities are:
7 times more prevalent than deafness
10 times more prevalent than cerebral palsy
25 times more prevalent than blindness
35 times more prevalent than muscular dystrophy
A cognitive disability is not a disease and should not be confused with mental illness. People with cognitive disabilities have a slower rate of learning which leads to difficulty managing some of the ordinary activities of daily living, understanding the behavior of others, and determining appropriate social responses (adaptive behavior).
An accepted technical definition describes a person with a cognitive disability as an individual with an intellectual functioning level (IQ) below 70-75; with the condition being present from childhood (18 years of age or less); and two or more significant limitations in adaptive skills areas.
Cognitive disabilities can affect anyone no matter what race, education or social and economic background. Hereditary components are known to account for only a fraction of the cases of cognitive disabilities. A cognitive disability can be caused by any condition that impairs development of the brain before birth, during birth or in early childhood years. About 87% of individuals affected by a cognitive disability are only mildly affected and are a little slower than average in learning new information and skills.
Research and medical advances in the past 30 years have contributed to the prevention of many cases of cognitive disabilities in the United States. Some ways they have prevented new cases are by: newborn screening and dietary treatment; thyroid hormone replacement therapy; use of anti-Rh immune globulin; and vaccines for measles, rubella and Hib diseases.
All individuals with cognitive disabilities have the capacity to learn, develop and grow. The majority of individuals become economically productive, fully participating members of society.
SOURCE: Introduction to mental retardation, (June 2001), The ARC