Intellectual Disability (ID) Domains and Specifiers

There are three domains when assessing children with ID. These include:

1. The Conceptual Domain: this is where children are assessed in their skills in

language, reading, writing, mathematics, reasoning, knowledge, and

memory

2. The Social Domain: children are evaluated on their aptitude to show empathy,

social judgment, interpersonal communication skills, and the capacity to

make and keep friendships

3. The Practical Domain: self-management in areas such as personal care, job

responsibilities, money management (understanding money), recreation,

organizing school activities and work tasks are assessed

It is imperative for both parent and educators to have knowledge of the domains as this will create an integrative approach to facilitate children with ID.

There are four severity specifiers: mild, moderate, severe, and profound. Specifiers describe the extent of adaptive dysfunction in the 3 domains. When there is an understanding of this, it will help determine the level of support needed for adaptive functioning. Adaptive functioning refers to how effectively children can cope with everyday life demands, and how well they meet standards of personal independence expected at their developmental age and cultural background.

Parents ought not to feel embarrassed if their child is diagnosed with ID. Each child base on his/her severity can function to their highest capacity with the correct intervention and support. Teachers also need to be able to effectively structure the learning space to meet the needs of learners with mild and moderate ID.