Intellectual Disabilities (ID) Historically, perceived as incapable of caring or learning especially in medical model Present - Social model stresses independent functional skills. ID officially replaced mental retardation in legal terminology.

Defining Intellectual Disability... Significantly sub-average intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive skills and documented as occurring from birth to 18 years (Sherrill, 2004). Intellectual levels based on IQ under 70 or 75. Due to variability in intellectual functioning second component added to definition. Adaptive skills refers to effectiveness or degree with which individual meets standards of personal independence and social responsibility for age & cultural group.

Level of Intellectual Disability (Note: Generalizations) MildModerateSevere/Profound IQ between 50-70IQ between 35-50Severe-IQ below Profound below 20 Has important relationships May develop strong relationships with key people in their lives May learn to read and write Uses certain wordsHas little or no speech Travels independently but may need help with money and organizing their daily lives. Needs lifelong support in planning and organization of their lives Needs lifelong help in most areas

Intellectual Disability May Affect... Learning Memory Problem solving Planning Other cognitive tasks Social skills Communication skills Added impairments may accompany ID: -Cerebral palsy (30+%) -Seizure disorders (8-18% in mild and in severe) -Vision impairment (20-25%) -Hearing loss (10%) -Oppositional defiant disorder (0.5-12%) -Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (0.5-11%) (Figures, Harris, 2006)

Causes of Intellectual Disability Prenatal PeriodPerinatal PeriodPostnatal PeriodCombined Periods 1.Chromosomal anomaly (DS) 1.Prematurity/ postmaturity (41+ wks) 1. Disease (meningitis) 1. Brain trauma 2. Unknown prenatal influences (hydrocephalus) 2.Low birth weight2. Brain injury2.Anoxia to the brain 3.Metabolic disorders 3.Labor difficulties3.Toxic substance (mercury) 3.Tumour/lesions 4.Maternal disease (rubella) 4.Birth injury4.Metabolic disorders 4.Syphillis 5.Blood incompatibility Malnutrition5.Idiopathic conditions 6.Maternal care (drugs, alcohol) -----Degenerative disorders

Prevalence of Intellectual Disabilities 1% of the U.S population Majority of children mildly affected (90%). More severe (5%) require more extensive support in educational placements (Horvat et al., 2009). Boys & girls equally affected

Benefits of Physical Activity for People w/ID More inactive than peers(Shields et al., 2009). Lack of opportunity & physiological concerns (Rimmer, 1999) Low fitness levels/maximal heart rates (Fernhall & Pitetti, 2001), high levels of obesity/body fat (See Figure 1), poor nutritional habits (Humphries et al., 2009) Possible benefits of PA: Physical fitness/work capacity (Mendonca et al., 2011) Obesity & related conditions (Casey et al., 2010) Muscle strength/ Balance/ Quality of Life (Bartlo & Klein, 2011). Inactivity = Greater risk for certain cardiovascular disease as well (Temple & Walkley, 2007)

Planning Physical Activity Program Wide spectrum of individuals with ID... Range of cognitive deficits indicative of functioning (Horvat & Croce, 1995) Many deficient in motor development & require specific instructions, time to practice etc. Physical & motor skills essential for improving functional skills, community integration & leisure/work skills. Ascertain level of functioning early on... Be aware of maximal HR especially w/Down syndrome Lack of motivation (Horvat et al., 1993)??? (See Dolphins video). Low self-concept = Use positive reinforcement (Croce,1990) Involve participants in decision making & encourage fun/social interaction (Stanish et al., 2008) Age-appropriate activities Directions – Brief/Simple/Direct Visual learning (Horvat et al., 2009). Repetition/routine. Additional time for practice. Parental joke: Three paces: Slow, slow and slower... Community-based activities promoted beyond classroom.