Intellectual Disabilities Therapies

According to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (2013), an intellectual disability is “a disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and practical skills” (p. 1). Looking at this definition, it is clear that intellectual disabilities are fairly complex and diverse as they result in different types of learning difficulties, along with variations in adaptive functioning skills. This being said, intellectual disabilities are affecting the lives of many individuals, both directly and indirectly. In fact, research has found that an estimated seven to eight million Americans have an intellectual disability, meaning
To ensure that they are given the proper opportunities, sometimes a little extra help is needed. Many different therapies have been proven to be effective in providing this assistance. First, early-intervention programs such as the individualized family service plan have been very helpful in getting a “jumpstart” to providing an early diagnosis and creating a learning plan for young children (Guralnick, 2005). It has been proven that the practices of early intervention have made large contributions in understanding and promoting the development of children with intellectual disabilities. Second, several different specific therapies such as counseling, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, behavior therapy, play therapy, pharmacotherapy, active therapy, art therapy, and relaxation therapy have been shown to help individuals with intellectual disabilities make large strides in the right direction. The specific one-on-one work throughout these therapies and activities has been proven to help better the lives of these individuals, assisting in the development of specific skills required for successful daily life. Another type of therapy emerging is the “Snoezlen Room” (Lindsay, Black, & Broxholme, 2001). It is a room full of sensory items including bubble tubes, colored lights, soft music, tactile walls, mirrors, and aroma boards. When individuals enter this quiet, controlled environment, they are allowed to relax and act like a kid again, as they work to strengthen some key skills. While there is no cure for intellectual disabilities, a few of the therapies mentioned above have been used to help those individuals cope with and overcome any obstacles that get in their