Signs of an intellectual disability can vary depending on its severity, and they often become more noticeable as your child grows and faces new challenges. In infants and toddlers (up to age 3), you might first notice delays in basic milestones, such as sitting up, crawling, or walking later than other children, as well as delays in babbling, talking, or communicating their needs.

As children reach school age (ages 3 to 18), these gaps can become more apparent. This can be seen through difficulties with learning, logical thinking, and understanding social rules. You may notice your child struggling significantly with reading, writing, or math despite extra help, or having a hard time managing their emotions. This can lead to low frustration tolerance and behaviours that seem much younger than their actual age.

How we determine this:

To determine if a child has an intellectual disability, our psychologists conduct a supportive and comprehensive evaluation designed to understand your child’s unique strengths and challenges. This process focuses on two main areas: learning ability (often called cognitive or intellectual functioning) and daily living skills (known as adaptive behavior).

First, a psychologist will talk with you and your child’s teachers to learn about your child’s medical and developmental history, and how they manage everyday tasks, such as communicating, making friends, brushing teeth, or following routines.

Second, the psychologist will work with your child using standardised developmental or IQ tests to see how your child solves problems, uses language, and remembers information.

The goal of this assessment is not just to find a diagnosis, but to identify the exact tools, school supports, and therapies that will help your child thrive and reach their full potential.