intellectual disability

Intellectual disability is a lifelong condition characterised by limited intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour, including activities of daily living and social interaction.

This condition is diagnosed by medical professionals, through clinical evaluation and standardised testing. Those living with intellectual disability can experience varying levels of impact on their daily life, with a broad range of abilities and needs.

As of August 2023¹, it is estimated that around 0.1% of the Australian population live with intellectual disability and require ongoing support.

¹ Australian Government, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Intellectual disability affects 4.5% of children aged 0-14 years and is almost twice as common in boys as it is in girls. 8% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have an intellectual disability.

A person may be born with intellectual disability, or acquire it before the age of 18. Common causes include premature birth, childhood brain injury, foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Rett Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome or Down syndrome.

People living with intellectual disability may also experience other types of disability such as speech difficulty, hearing or physical disability, autism or a mental health condition.

An intellectual disability can be diagnosed in children by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. Early diagnosis can help the person and their family to access services like the NDIS and Disability Support Pension.

If an intellectual disability remains undiagnosed, this can be a barrier to people accessing services and supports.

Every person with intellectual disability has a different array of capabilities and limitations. With appropriate guidance and support, all people living with intellectual disability can learn and develop new skills.

Around a third of people living with intellectual disability and who are NDIS participants over 25 years old are in paid employment, and 77% of these are employed in an Australian Disability Enterprise or sheltered workshop.

Every person living with an intellectual disability should be able to choose to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. With the right support services in place, people living with intellectual disability can gain skills to live independently and contribute to their community.

We provide in-home and community support services that enable people living with intellectual disabilities to be included in their community and to choose how they pursue their lives. Our supported independent living (SIL) services and accommodation are of a high quality, prioritising the safety and well-being of our clients.

Learn more about:

• In-home and community support
• Supported independent living (SIL)
• Supported independent living vacancies

With support to participate in community activities, attend work or achieve personal goals, people living with intellectual disabilities can build capacity and independence.

Families and individuals living with a disability in South Australia can learn more about our services using the enquiry form below.