Organic intellectual disability is caused by
a genetic disorder or brain damage.
being raised by poorly educated parents.
an impoverished intellectual environment.
traumatic experiences in early childhood.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
a genetic disorder or brain damage.
Explanation:
Organic intellectual disability refers to intellectual disabilities that have a clear biological cause, typically stemming from either a genetic disorder or some form of brain damage. This contrasts with non-organic intellectual disabilities, which are often the result of environmental factors, such as inadequate stimulation, poor parenting, or socioeconomic deprivation.
- Genetic disorders: These are abnormalities in the genes that may lead to intellectual disabilities. For example, Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome 21, is a well-known cause of organic intellectual disability. Other conditions like fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, or phenylketonuria (PKU) can also lead to intellectual disabilities due to genetic abnormalities.
- Brain damage: Intellectual disabilities can also arise from physical damage to the brain, which may occur during prenatal development, birth, or early childhood. Such damage can result from a variety of factors, including:
- Prenatal exposure to toxins or infections such as alcohol (leading to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) or certain viral infections.
- Birth complications, like oxygen deprivation during delivery.
- Head injuries that damage brain function, especially if sustained in early childhood.
This type of intellectual disability is considered “organic” because there is a clear physiological or biological basis for the disability. The degree of intellectual impairment can vary depending on the severity of the genetic disorder or brain injury, and it may affect both cognitive abilities (such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving) and adaptive functioning (such as self-care, social skills, and communication).
While environmental factors like a lack of stimulation or impoverished living conditions can influence cognitive development, they do not cause organic intellectual disabilities. The key difference lies in the presence of a direct physical or genetic cause, as opposed to factors related to upbringing or environment.