Intellectual Disabilities
Types of Intellectual and Developmental Challenges
Reasoning and Problem-Solving
Difficulty with abstract thinking, understanding cause-and-effect, or applying knowledge to new situations.
Processing Speed and Memory
Taking longer to grasp or recall concepts, even after practice.
Learning and Academic Skills
Delays in reading, writing, or math that don’t improve with repeated support alone.
Social Functioning
Difficulty interpreting social cues, forming peer relationships, or adjusting to group expectations.
Adaptive Skills
Challenges with daily living tasks such as communication, self-care, money use, or safety awareness.
Understanding Intellectual Disabilities
An intellectual disability is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both cognitive ability (IQ, problem-solving, reasoning) and adaptive functioning (everyday life skills).
- It is identified when these limitations begin in childhood or adolescence.
- Intellectual disability is not a child’s fault, nor does it erase their unique abilities and potential.
- With the right supports, children can learn, develop independence, and build meaningful lives.
Concerns can appear early in development or become clearer as academic demands increase.
- Slower achievement of developmental milestones (walking, talking, toilet training).
- Struggles to keep pace with peers in reading, math, or language.
- Difficulty following multi-step directions.
- Needs frequent reminders to complete daily tasks.
- Limited problem-solving skills compared to same-age peers.
- Ongoing social challenges, such as making friends or understanding rules.
The impact of intellectual disability extends beyond academics, shaping how children experience daily routines and relationships.
- School progress is slower, even with tutoring or extra help.
- Children may feel discouraged or compare themselves negatively to peers.
- Social situations may be confusing or overwhelming.
- Families often feel uncertain about how to best support their child.
- At the same time, many children show notable strengths — creativity, determination, kindness, or resilience.
Psychoeducational testing is a key tool for identifying and supporting intellectual disabilities. It helps by:
- Measuring cognitive ability and adaptive skills in a structured, evidence-based way.
- Differentiating intellectual disability from learning disabilities, ADHD, or emotional concerns.
- Providing documentation schools require for special education services and supports.
- Offering families a realistic picture of strengths, challenges, and next steps.
- Helping children avoid being misunderstood as “lazy” or “defiant.”
Identifying intellectual disabilities early allows families to plan ahead and give children the best chance to thrive.
- Unlocks access to individualized education programs (IEPs) and school-based supports.
- Helps children develop adaptive skills to increase independence.
- Reduces stress at home by giving parents practical strategies.
- Ensures families can advocate effectively within schools and healthcare systems.
- Builds confidence by focusing on what the child can do, not just what is difficult.
What Happens When a Child Receives Psychoeducational Testing?
With Dr. Renee’s evaluation, families receive:
A compassionate, evidence-based assessment of cognitive and adaptive skills.
Practical recommendations to support learning, social growth, and daily living skills.
A clear explanation of findings in everyday language parents can understand.
The reassurance that their child’s needs are real, valid, and supportable.
A comprehensive written report schools can use to support eligibility and accommodations.
Clarity Builds Confidence
An evaluation can provide the understanding your child needs to access the right supports — and the encouragement to grow with dignity and confidence.
