What Is the Difference Between Intellectual Disability and Learning Disability?

When discussing conditions that affect cognitive functioning, learning, and development, it’s essential to understand the distinctions between intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities. While both can impact a person’s ability to acquire and apply knowledge, they differ significantly in their nature, causes, and management. The Special Olympics Arizona team is breaking down the differences between intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities, providing insights into their definitions, characteristics, and management.

Intellectual Disability vs. Learning Disability

Intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities are distinct conditions, each with its own set of characteristics and challenges.

What Is an Intellectual Disability?

An intellectual disability involves problems with general mental abilities and will generally affect functioning in one of two ways. Intellectual functioning is one area that can be affected by an intellectual disability; this can include difficulties with learning, problem solving, and judgment. An intellectual disability can also affect adaptive functioning. This can include difficulties with activities of daily life, such as communication skills and independent living. The intellectual and adaptive deficits will generally begin early in a child’s developmental period. Intellectual disability affects 1% of the population, and an estimated 85% of those that are affected have what is classified as a mild intellectual disability.

An intellectual disability is typically diagnosed based on an individual’s IQ score and their ability to perform everyday tasks. It is categorized into four levels of severity: mild, moderate, severe, and profound.

What Are the 4 Levels of Intellectual Disability?

Intellectual disability is categorized into four levels based on IQ scores:

Mild: Individuals with mild intellectual disabilities may have an IQ ranging from 50 to 70. These individuals often face difficulties with academics and social settings, but can learn practical life skills and live relatively independently with proper support. About 85% of individuals with an intellectual disability are classified as having a mild intellectual disability.
Moderate: Moderate intellectual disability is characterized by an IQ range of 35 to 49. These individuals may require additional support with daily living tasks, like self care and communication. They communicated using relatively simple language and may be able to transition to living independently to some degree, but will require support such as a group home.
Severe: Severe intellectual disability is associated with an IQ range of 20 to 34. Individuals in this category have difficulty communicating beyond single words or simple phrases and will likely require constant supervision and support with most of their tasks in everyday life.
Profound: Profound intellectual disability is the most severe category, with an IQ below 20. Individuals in this category are generally nonverbal and have significant cognitive and adaptive defects.

How Are Intellectual Disabilities Managed?

Managing intellectual disabilities involves providing comprehensive support, including educational, therapeutic, and adaptive services. The goal is to enhance an individual’s independence, communication skills, and quality of life. Services may include special education programs, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions.

Examples of Intellectual Disabilities

Some examples of intellectual disabilities are more commonly recognized, such as Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, leading to developmental delays and intellectual disability. Fetal alcohol syndrome, resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol, is another disorder that can lead to intellectual and developmental challenges. Other genetic disorders can affect cognitive function and lead to intellectual disability, such as Fragile X syndrome.

What Is a Learning Disability?

Learning disability, sometimes shortened to LD, refers to a group of neurological disorders that affect an individual’s ability to acquire, process, and use information effectively. Learning disabilities can impact various areas of learning, including reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and mathematics (dyscalculia). Importantly, individuals with learning disabilities typically have average or above-average intellectual abilities.

How Are Learning Disabilities Managed?

Managing learning disabilities involves tailored educational strategies and interventions. Specialized instruction, accommodations, and assistive technologies can help individuals with learning disabilities overcome their specific challenges and reach their academic potential.

Examples of Learning Disabilities

There are some well-known examples of learning disabilities that affect various parts of brain processing and comprehension. Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading and language processing. Dysgraphia is a learning disability that impairs writing and fine motor skills and dyscalculia is a learning disability that impacts mathematical understanding and computation.

What Causes Learning and Intellectual Disabilities?

Understanding the causes of these conditions is essential for effective management and support. Intellectual disabilities can result from various factors, including genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, prenatal exposure to toxins or infections, birth complications, and postnatal trauma or infections. A baby or child can develop an intellectual disability during fetal development, during birth, or post-birth, depending on the cause of the intellectual disability. Learning disabilities are primarily neurobiological in nature, often arising from differences in brain structure and function. They can be hereditary, and genetics may play a role in their development, but there is no one cause of a learning disability.

FAQs About the Difference Between Intellectual Disability and Learning Disability

Is Autism a Learning Disability or Intellectual Disability?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. While some individuals with autism may have co-occurring intellectual disabilities, autism itself is not an intellectual disability. However, it can affect learning and cognitive functioning.

Is ADHD a Learning Disability or Intellectual Disability?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is not an intellectual disability or a learning disability. However, individuals with ADHD may face learning challenges, particularly related to attention and focus, but their overall intellectual abilities are typically within the normal range.

In summary, intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities are distinct conditions with different characteristics, causes, and management approaches. Intellectual disabilities involve limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, whereas learning disabilities impact specific areas of learning while leaving overall intellectual abilities intact. Understanding these differences is crucial for providing appropriate support and tailored interventions to individuals with these conditions.

What Is the Difference Between Intellectual Disability and Learning Disability?