What are the signs of a person having a mild intellectual disability?

[Anonymous]

I learned to walk and talk early and my reading ability was a few years ahead of my classmates. I was Autistic and learnt big words. I struggled in school with relating to peers and with academic performance. I was told that I had a mild learning disorder. I had a teacher’s aid as a child for a few years. There was a developmental delay in maturity that I didn’t shake until I had a job as a carer and then a nurse’s aide.

As an adult I was diagnosed as having mild Asperger’s and a few mild mental illnesses, but never told that I had any intellectual disabilities. As an adult, I started wondering because, while I have some very bright friends, I’m closest to my friends with autism and mild intellectual disabilities. I still occasionally make basic jokes although I understand subtle communication and wit and crave these in a boyfriend and I learn lessons the hard way, but I always put that down to my autism.

is it possible that I could have a mild intellectual disability that’s never been diagnosed, because it’s more borderline?

[Anonymous]

Mild intellectual disability (ID) is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which affect the ability to perform everyday tasks. People with mild ID generally have IQ scores ranging from 50 to 70, and may exhibit certain signs, including:

Delayed Developmental Milestones:

Delays in language, motor, or social development compared to peers.
May take longer to develop basic skills like speaking, walking, or potty training.
Learning Difficulties:

Struggles with academic tasks, particularly in subjects like reading, writing, and math.
Slower to learn new concepts and may require more repetition or simplified explanations.
Limited Adaptive Skills:

Difficulty with practical tasks, such as managing personal hygiene, cooking, cleaning, and other daily activities.
May need support in independent living skills, even as an adult.
Social and Communication Challenges:

Difficulty understanding social cues, such as body language or tone of voice.
May have trouble maintaining conversations or making friends, sometimes seeming socially awkward.
Problem-Solving and Abstract Thinking:

Struggles with abstract reasoning or complex decision-making.
May rely on concrete thinking, making it harder to apply learned concepts to new or unfamiliar situations.
Emotional Regulation:

May have difficulties managing emotions, which can lead to frustration, anxiety, or temper outbursts in situations that are confusing or overwhelming.
Lack of Initiative:

May be more passive, waiting for others to take the lead or make decisions for them.
Could have trouble planning ahead or organizing tasks independently.
Communication and Speech:

Speech may be delayed or less clear compared to peers.
May have difficulty understanding or following complex instructions.
People with mild intellectual disabilities often live semi-independently, can work in supervised settings, and develop meaningful relationships. With appropriate support and intervention, they can lead fulfilling lives. If there are concerns about intellectual development, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare or educational professional can provide a clearer picture.

[Staximus]

Nobody is perfect, it's best not to label yourself and limit yourself with these stupid ideas about how you should think, act, perform at school, communicate, whatever. Just be yourself and do your thing.

[DrPepper12]

Sure! I've helped lotsa teenage students get services for undiagnosed health & learning issues

[seeyounexttuesday]

They voted for Kamala.