About us
Intellectual Disability
What is an intellectual disability?
Intellectual disability is a term used when there are limits to a person’s ability to learn at an expected level and function in daily life. Levels of intellectual disabilities vary greatly – from a very slight to a very severe. People with intellectual disabilities might have a hard time letting others know their wants and needs, and taking care of themselves. Intellectual disability could cause a person to learn and develop more slowly than other people of the same age. It could take longer for a person with intellectual disability to learn communication, self-care, and getting along in social situations and learning activities. Intellectual disability is sometimes referred to as a cognitive disability or mental retardation.
Intellectual disability can be caused by a problem that starts any time before a child turns 18 years old – even before birth. It can be caused by injury, disease, or a problem in the brain. For many, the cause of their intellectual disability is not known. Some of the most common known causes of mental intellectual disabilities – like Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, fragile X syndrome, genetic conditions, birth defects, and infections – happen before birth. Others happen while a baby is being born or soon after birth. Still other causes of intellectual disabilities do not occur until a child is older; these might include serious head injury, stroke, or certain infections.
How can Aspire help?
Aspire’s goal is to provide quality lifetime supports to children and adults with this disabilities so they can achieve their individual highest potential where they live, learn, and grow.
Learn more about Aspire's services for children and adults with intellectual disability.
It was a hot day at the Brookfield Zoo and Sean Farrelly was ready to go home. He was tired and feeling miserable. Sean and his cousin headed for the exit. But when Sean spotted a group of people with disabilities nearby, Sean perked up. He spent two more hours at the zoo with his new acquaintances.