pediatrics
Intellectual Disability
Prognosis for Intellectual Disability
Many people with mild to moderate intellectual disability can support themselves, live independently, and be successful at jobs that require basic intellectual skills. Life expectancy may be shortened, depending on the etiology of the disability, but health care is improving long-term health outcomes for people with all types of developmental disabilities. People with severe intellectual disability are more likely to require life-long support. The more severe the cognitive disability and the greater the immobility, the higher the mortality risk. 