Intellectual disability or impairments develop before adulthood and can affect a person’s ability to learn, communicate, retain information, and undertake work or leisure activities.
An intellectual disability may be caused by genetic conditions, problems during pregnancy and birth, illness, or environmental factors. Categories of mild, moderate, severe, and profound levels of intellectual impairment are defined based on IQ scores. A person is classified as having an intellectual disability if their IQ falls below 70.
Xtra Care supports people with various intellectual disabilities to lead valued and meaningful lives, some of which are defined below:
Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder resulting from a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21 in their DNA. This affects cognitive ability, can lead to a higher-than-normal incidence of respiratory and heart conditions, and leads to certain physical attributes. Down Syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder and cause of learning disabilities in children (Mayo Clinic).
Developmental Delay is when a child falls behind the developmental milestones of other children of a similar age. These delays may occur in physical, learning, thinking, social and communicative development.
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Xtra Care provides personalised disability support services, empowering participants to live with choice, control, and independence. We work closely with individuals, families, and communities to deliver meaningful, high-quality support.
