Intellectual disability

A disability affecting intellectual functioning and everyday adaptive skills, usually present from childhood.

What it means

Intellectual disability is a disability that affects a person's intellectual functioning and their adaptive skills. Intellectual functioning includes things like learning, reasoning and problem-solving. Adaptive skills are the practical, everyday abilities people use to live their lives, such as communicating, looking after themselves and getting along with others.

Intellectual disability usually begins in childhood and continues through a person's life. It is important to remember that people with intellectual disability have a wide range of abilities and support needs. Two people with intellectual disability may need very different kinds of support, and many live full, active and independent lives with the right assistance.

In practice

The NDIS can fund supports that help a person with intellectual disability build skills, take part in their community and work towards their goals. This might include help with daily living, developing communication or independence skills, or taking part in social and community activities.

Good supports focus on what a person can do and what they want to achieve, rather than only on the things they find difficult. It helps to describe how intellectual disability affects everyday life and what kind of assistance makes a real difference. Clear, accessible communication is also important, so the person can be involved in decisions about their own supports as fully as possible, with support from family or others where they choose.

A real example

For example, Jack has an intellectual disability and wants to live more independently. His NDIS plan includes support to build everyday skills such as cooking, budgeting and catching public transport. With regular practice alongside his support worker, Jack has grown in confidence and now manages more of his daily routine on his own.

Intellectual disability — FAQs

What is intellectual disability?
Intellectual disability is a disability that affects intellectual functioning, such as learning, reasoning and problem-solving, and adaptive skills used in everyday life, such as communication and self-care. It usually begins in childhood and continues through life. People with intellectual disability have a wide range of abilities and support needs, and many live full and active lives with the right support.
Can the NDIS fund supports for intellectual disability?
Yes. The NDIS can fund supports that help a person with intellectual disability build skills, take part in their community and work towards their goals. This might include help with daily living, developing communication or independence, or joining social activities. Supports are considered where they relate to the disability and are reasonable and necessary for the person's goals.
Do all people with intellectual disability need the same support?
No. People with intellectual disability have a wide range of abilities and support needs, so support looks very different from person to person. Some need only a little assistance in certain areas, while others need more day-to-day help. Good planning focuses on the individual, their strengths and their goals, rather than assuming everyone needs the same thing.
Does intellectual disability begin in childhood?
It usually begins in childhood and continues through a person's life. Because it affects learning and everyday skills over time, support often focuses on building abilities and independence at each stage of life. The kind of support a person finds helpful can change as they grow and as their goals and circumstances change.
How can someone with intellectual disability be involved in decisions?
Clear, accessible communication helps a person with intellectual disability take part in decisions about their own supports. This might mean using plain language, allowing extra time, or providing information in easier-to-understand formats. Family members or other trusted people can support decision-making where the person chooses, while keeping the person's own views and goals at the centre.

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Official NDIS sources

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