This paper will describe how Intellectual Disability uses Psychology throughout research documents and how Occupational Therapy treats, and monitors patients during their diagnosis. The information was gathered by various websites and accurate assessments from the book of Psychology, Themes and Variations; 8E Briefer Version. There will be descriptions of child intellectual disability and development disability and informative learning on how Psychology applies to both I.D. (Intellectual Disabilities) and D.L.D. (Developmental Learning Disability. Occupational Therapy will illuminate the details of treatments that child development will need to maintain a level of codependency.
Many researchers have done studies on Intellectual Disability. AAIDD (American Association on Intellectual Development and Disability) was founded in 1876. AAIDD has revised its definition and diagnostic criteria as the science and understanding of the condition has evolved over time. Cited from (www.aaid.org/disability) Intellectual Disability is the most common developmental disability in the United States. Approximately 6.5 million people and more than 545,000 children between the ages of (6-21) has some sort of level of Intellectual Disability and received education services in public schools under the category of IDEA. (Cited: www.nichcy.org) Intellectual Disability surrounds the cognitive and physical functioning. Psychologists have found that useful model of critical thinking has the cognitive and physical function; it consist of knowledge of the skills from the attitude or disposition of a critical thinker. Intellectual functioning is characterized by significant limitations in adaptive behavior (cited: Psychology: Themes and Variations 8E Briefer Version page 30) Intellectual Functioning is measured by a test that determines if one’s disability is impaired. Scores are determined by the individual’s I.Q, if scores are below 75 patients is known to have I.D. The adaptive behavior looks at a child and compares that child to other I.D. children to determine their IQ. According to Eugene Edgar Doll, adaptive behavior is multisession and reflects the individual’s personal and social skills as he or she interacts with his or her environment.
Occupational Therapy Treatment Occupational Therapy treats patients with injuries, disabilities and illnesses. They help patients develop recover and improve the skill they need for daily living and working (cited:www.bls.gov) One would most likely find an Occupational Therapist working either at a school, hospital, rehabilitation or with retirement patients. When it comes to a child developmental disability an OT has to administer a diagnosis. After diagnosis is evaluated an Occupational Therapist determines what the child would lack. The child’s everyday activity is monitored including getting dress, going to the bathroom, and feeding his or herself. Treatment may go on based upon the level of the child’s diagnosis. As the child continues with treatment an Occupational Therapist notices if any strengths or weaknesses are evident. When time progresses the child will start to develop a conscious behavior due to observational learning.
Conclusion
Children suffering from Intellectual Disability or Development are given the proper treatments by professionals, such as Occupational Therapist or certified teachers. In this field you will find