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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates: Visitor Restrictions & More

Safety Measures at Riley Children’s Health

We are taking thoughtful steps to ensure our spaces remain safe for patients, parents and caregivers. View safety measures, mask policy and visiting guidelines.

Information on COVID-19

Learn more about COVID-19, information about previously scheduled appointments and what you can do to help protect your child and family. View COVID-19 information.


Free Virtual Coronavirus Screenings

IU Health has launched a virtual clinic to offer individuals in Indiana regardless of age free coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings. View screening details.

Actualizaciones del Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Información sobre el COVID-19

Obtenga más información acerca del COVID-19, incluyendo las preguntas más frecuentes y lo que puede hacer para ayudar a protegerse y proteger a su familia. Ver información del COVID-19.


Restricciones para visitantes

Las instalaciones de salud de IU Health han implementado restricciones a los visitantes para ayudar a minimizar la propagación del COVID-19, la gripe y otros virus respiratorios. Ver restricciones para visitantes.


Información sobre citas ambulatorias previamente programadas

Para asegurar la salud y la seguridad de todos nuestros pacientes y empleados durante la pandemia del coronavirus (COVID-19), estamos haciendo ajustes en algunas de nuestras citas ambulatorias. Ver actualizaciones de citas ambulatorias.


Exámenes de coronavirus virtuales gratuitos

IU Health ha lanzado una clínica virtual para ofrecer a las personas en Indiana, independientemente de la edad, evaluaciones virtuales para la detección del coronavirus (COVID-19). Ver detalles de la evaluación.

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Riley Children's Health

Intellectual & Cognitive Disability

Intellectual & Cognitive Disability
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Children with intellectual disabilities are limited in how much they are able to learn or function. These children have a very low intelligence quotient (IQ) score. Some children have fewer limits and are able to lead independent lives when they are older while others have very severe limits that make them dependent on others for care.

Intellectual disabilities have a wide variety of causes, including birth defects, genetic conditions, injuries, certain infections or stroke. Intellectual disabilities can develop any time from before birth to age 18.

Signs of intellectual and cognitive disabilities may include:

  • Significantly delayed motor skills, such as walking later than other children 
  • Delayed speech or difficulty speaking
  • Difficulty learning at grade/age-appropriate level
  • Poor memory
  • Inability to understand consequences of actions
  • Poor problem-solving skills
  • Poor understanding of social rules

Since all of these signs could also be caused by other conditions, it is important that a healthcare professional with extensive experience working with intellectual disability diagnose your child. An early diagnosis can be very beneficial in helping your child learn and function as well as possible.

Diagnosis of Intellectual & Cognitive Disability

Doctors with the Riley Child Development Center at IU Health perform comprehensive evaluations to diagnose intellectual and cognitive disabilities.

During the evaluation, your provider will take an extensive developmental history to find out about any health problems, what is going on in your child’s life and the history of his or her behavior. Your provider will also be observing your child and how they behave and interact during the appointment.  You, the caregiver, may be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire or checklist.  If needed, your child may be brought back for an appointment to undergo psychological testing, speech testing and/or a medical examination. This testing, often in the form of activities or games, lets your child’s provider identify symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis.

After your child’s evaluation, you will receive a detailed report about his or her particular condition as well as information on resources in your community that can help. These reports help ensure that all caregivers fully understand exactly what kind of support your child needs.

Treatments

Treatments

Early intervention and consistent support can help your child thrive. While there is no cure for intellectual disability, many programs and services in your community and at your child’s school can help your child learn at his or her own speed and gain the skills he or she needs to lead a satisfying life.

Your child may require services such as speech or occupational therapy, special education and transition care as he or she gets older. Riley at IU Health can help you locate these services in your community

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • Children with intellectual disabilities have limits on how much they can learn and function. They may be slower to learn, speak, walk and adapt to social situations than other children.
  • With an accurate and early diagnosis, your child can make better strides to a satisfying life.
  • There is no cure for intellectual disability, but your child can benefit from many resources available in your community as well as from strong support from all caregivers.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Visit the trusted resources below for more information on intellectual and cognitive disability.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

The Arc of Indiana

This large state organization strives to help and advocate for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. The organization's website provides access to valuable community and government resources.

Center for Parent Information and Resources

This website includes information on a huge variety of topics for parents of children with disabilities. Topics include mental health, behavior, research and technology.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Sort through 4 facilities offering Intellectual & Cognitive Disability care by entering your city or zip below.

See all facilities

Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

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Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2020-21

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