COGNITIVE RESOURCES

What is cognitive impairment?
Cognitive impairment, also referred to as intellectual disability, describes the condition of a child whose intellectual functioning level and adaptive skills are significantly below the average for a child of his chronological age. It is the most common developmental disorder, occurring in approximately 12 of every 1000 children.(1) Varying levels of developmental delays may be identified in a child’s social skills, emotional development, communication capabilities, physical function, and academic skill sets.(2)

The Center for Disease Control defines cognitive impairment among 8-year-old children by a score of 70 or below on an test of intellectual capability, more commonly known as an IQ test.(1) Levels of cognitive impairment severity are defined by specific IQ ranges. (2) Cognitive impairment can be caused by a number of factors. Many instances of cognitive impairment are the result of genetic or chromosomal disorders. Cognitive impairment can also be attributed to injuries or illnesses that occur during pregnancy or early infancy. Extreme malnutrition, inadequate medical care, and exposure to environmental toxins can lead to cognitive impairments as well.(2) With many possible causes, it is often difficult to cite a specific single cause of a cognitive impairment in a child. 
  • Mild Cognitive Impairment – IQ of 50 to 70
  • Moderate Cognitive Impairment – IQ of 35 to 55
  • Severe Cognitive Impairment – IQ 20 to 40
  • Profound Cognitive Impairment – Below 20             
Documents
Teaching Literacy to Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
10 Memory Strategies
The facts about  COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Teaching Students with Fetal Alcohol Students
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR COGNITIVE AND ACADEMIC DEFICITS
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Teaching Functional Life Skills to Youth with Disabilities 


 
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Special Olympics is more than 4.2 million athletes with intellectual disabilities around the world plus families, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and celebrities supporting us every day.
Helpful Websites
  • American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disability (www.aaidd.org)
  • Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) The CDC publishes a series called “Learn the Signs. Act Early. ”Included in this series is an Intellectual 
  • Disability Fact Sheet which includes a very brief explanation of the definition of intellectual disability and the first step to take to get help. 
  • KidsHealth (www.kidshealth.org) An easy-to-read guide to understanding intellectual disabilities can be found on this website. It focuses on the causes of intellectual disabilities and what to expect in the early years of school. The title is “What ‘Mental Retardation’ Means”. 
  • National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (www.nichcy.org) 
  • The Arc (www.thearc.org) 
  • Speaking for Ourselves http://www.speaking.org/ Teaches the public about the needs, wishes and potential of people with disabilities. 
  • National Association for the Dually Diagnosed http://www.thenadd.org/ This not-for-profit membership association for professionals, care providers and families promotes understanding of and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
  • National Institute of Health http://www.nih.gov/ Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research.  
  • American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR) http://www.aamr.org/ An online resource offering rapid access to information about mental retardation and disabilities. 
  • The Arc of the United States http://www.thearc.org/ Devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for people with cognitive impairments and their families. 
  • Michigan Alliance for Children