Intellectual developmental disorder (IDD)
बौद्धिक अक्षमता (मंदबुद्धि / IDD)
IDD means limitations in intellectual functioning and everyday adaptive skills that begin in childhood. Every child can learn and progress with the right support.
Behavioural problems, epilepsy, ADHD, sleep issues and anxiety are common alongside IDD and are treatable.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Common symptoms
- Delay in sitting, walking or speaking
- Learning much slower than other children
- Difficulty with self-care, money, time or safety
- Behaviour problems — aggression, self-injury, hyperactivity
- Fits, poor sleep, feeding difficulties
Causes
- Genetic conditions (e.g. Down syndrome)
- Problems during pregnancy or birth (lack of oxygen, prematurity)
- Childhood brain infections, severe malnutrition, thyroid deficiency
- Often no single cause is found — it is not the parents' fault
Risk factors
- Problems during pregnancy or birth (infections, lack of oxygen)
- Genetic conditions such as Down syndrome
- Untreated thyroid deficiency at birth, severe malnutrition, brain infections
How it is diagnosed
- Standardised IQ and adaptive behaviour assessment
- Search for treatable causes and associated epilepsy, hearing or vision problems
- Disability certification for government benefits
Classification: ICD-10 F70–F79 · ICD-11 6A00
Treatment options
- 1Developmental assessment and referral for standardised IQ/adaptive testing
- 2Guidance on disability certificate (UDID) and government benefits
- 3Special education, speech and occupational therapy
- 4Behaviour management training for parents
- 5Treating epilepsy, ADHD, sleep or aggression with careful medication
Psychotherapy and counselling
- Special education and skills training
- Behavioural support for aggression or self-injury
Guidance for family
- Focus on independence in daily skills step by step
- Connect with special schools and parent support groups
When to see a psychiatrist
- Milestones are clearly delayed
- School reports serious learning difficulty
- Aggression or self-injury at home
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Frequently asked questions
Can IDD be cured?
IDD is lifelong, but skills, independence and behaviour improve greatly with early training and support.
How do we get a disability certificate?
It is issued by a government medical board after IQ assessment. We guide you through the process.
Are medicines needed?
Not for IDD itself — only for associated problems like fits, hyperactivity, sleep or aggression.
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.