pediatrics
Intellectual Disability
Etiology of Intellectual Disability
Intelligence is both genetically and environmentally determined. Children born to parents with intellectual disability are at increased risk of a range of developmental disabilities, but clear genetic transmission of intellectual disability is unusual. Although advances in genetics, such as chromosomal microarray analysis and whole genome sequencing of the coding regions (exome), have increased the likelihood of identifying some causes of intellectual disability, a cause of intellectual disability in a specific person often cannot be identified. A cause is most likely to be identified in severe cases. Deficits in language and personal–social skills also may be due to emotional problems, environmental deprivation, Overview of Learning Disorders , or A number of chromosomal anomalies and genetic metabolic and neurologic disorders can cause intellectual disability ( see Table: Some Chromosomal and Genetic Causes of Intellectual Disability* ). Overview of Neonatal Infections that can cause intellectual disability include Drug Safety in Pregnancy can cause intellectual disability. Severe undernutrition during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development, resulting in intellectual disability. Complications related to Preterm Infants , Undernutrition and environmental deprivation (lack of physical, emotional, and cognitive support required for growth, development, and social adaptation) during infancy and early childhood may be the most common causes of intellectual disability worldwide. Viral and bacterial encephalitides (including AIDS-associated neuroencephalopathy) and meningitides (eg, Pneumococcal Infections , 