The Resilliency of individuals with intellectual disabilities

Understanding an individuals’ personal strengths and motivation is necessary.

Guest Blogger: Carly Rodgers, M.S.

An intellectual disability, the most common developmental disability, is a term used in reference to an individual who has certain limitations in mental functioning and skills such as taking care of him or herself, social skills, and communication.  Previously referred to as mental retardation, individuals with an intellectual disability progress at a slower pace than others in regards to learning how to talk, walk, and take care of their personal needs such as eating and dressing themselves.

Genetic conditions, problems during pregnancy, problems at birth, and health problems are among the common causes of intellectual disabilities.  While there is no “cure” for intellectual disabilities, these individuals can learn to do many things, it just may take more time and effort.  In keeping with this, it is important to determine and acknowledge an individuals’ strengths and weaknesses, as well as what serves as their motivation.  Understanding an individuals’ personal strengths, weaknesses, and their motivators helps to create a more complete picture of that individual, thus allowing for a better understanding of the level of care/support that may be needed. 

Presently, most of the available resources and research focuses around the resilience of parents/family and/or caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities, with very little actually focusing on the individual.  Resilience is an individual’s ability to adapt and bounce back in the face of adversity and may be viewed as an individuals’ defense against stress.  As humans, we all grow and continue to learn throughout our lives.  An individuals’ resilience can also change and evolve over time.  The resiliency of individuals with intellectual disabilities may be tested more frequently, more intensely, and for longer durations of time when compared to individuals who are not living with an intellectual disability. 

Resiliency is an important factor in the lives of individuals with an intellectual disability.  Without the means to cope well with their limitations in mental functioning and skills and employ resilience, these individuals are likely to suffer psychologically, socially, physically, emotionally, etc.. Ways of enhancing an individual’s resilience pathway include: identifying and improving upon internal strengths such as problem-solving skills; positive relationships with parents/caregivers, peers, and/or other caring adults; building upon determination, motivation, and hope; and environmental factors such as effective schools, community, and other services provided.  Resiliency skills can be learned and improved upon, thus there is always hope for those with an intellectual disability.

Carly Rodgers received her master's in Clinical Psychology in 2009 and is currently completing her pre-doctoral training in Portland, Maine.  She endorses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles and teaches resiliency skills with Dr. Breazeale.