Holistic Healthcare of Kids with intellectual Disabilities – Special focus on Immunity. By Dr. Nadeem Ghayas
February 5, 2025
A person who is characterized as an individual with an Intellectual Disability means that a certain person has some limitation to their thinking capabilities as well as in their functioning in most of the aspects which entail language, social and self-care capabilities. Essentially, the cognitive development experienced by such an individual is not as fast and matured as experienced by an individual of the same age group. The intellectual disability may take place at any age before the individual attains the age of 22 years old and this may be even in the womb. The most prevalent developmental delay in America is adaptive or the ability to use the skills or learn new skills.
According to the AAID, an individual is intellectually disabled where he or she satisfies the following three conditions.
IQ is 70 or lower
Adaptive behavior is significantly limited in one or more of the following areas: conceptual knowledge, social relationships, or practical abilities that are required to participate in the community (living, working, being included in leisure activity).
The disease manifests itself at the age of less than twenty-two years.
The immune system is a network of biological processes that are used to protect living things against illness. To distinguish them against normal tissue of the organism, it identifies and responds to a wide variety of pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, parasitic worms, and objects such as wood splinters. The enhancement of the immunity of kid with ID is associated with mental and physical health activities. These children may suffer a lot of troubles such as communication difficulties, motor problems and some times some diseases which affect the immune system. The following are methods of contributing to their immune systems:
Dietary and nutritional
To have a good immune system, a person needs a good diet. One has to take a balanced diet that has sufficient quantities of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Children with deficiencies in some of the micronutrients such as zinc, iron and vitamin D might be more susceptible to infections. The whole system of the immune system is strengthened by eating various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat. In particular cases, collaborating with a nutritionist to reach a goal in relation to a particular need may be beneficial such as in cases where the child has limited food preferences or feeding disorders.
Physical Activity
Simple exercises such as walking, playing, or stretching may also increase blood flow which is essential to the proper operation of the immune system. Exercise programs that are easy to follow and individually-ability-based should be created to encourage regular exercise among kids with ID. Techniques can be provided by therapists so that people would enjoy exercise and make it more available.
Hygiene of Sleep
Such children can be affected by behavioral or neurological issues which make them sleep abnormally. They can improve the quality of their sleep through the establishment of a nice sleeping environment, reducing the time spent in front of a screen before bed, and establishing a trusted bedtime routine.
Immunizations and Health Care.
Children with ID might require certain medical care and attention. Regular vaccinations are critical in the prevention of diseases. They could also suffer worse consequences of diseases, and this is why close attention should be paid to their health. Regular check-ups with a doctor who is informed about the details of intellectual disabilities will ensure that it is possible to diagnose early on any illnesses that may compromise the immune system.
Social Communication
Positive social connections are another very important aspect of immunological health. Loneliness can be alleviated by the interaction with peers, caregivers and family members and can be harmful to the overall health of a person. Cognitive and emotional development resulting in immunity through reduction of stress because of social activities that suit their present abilities can also be encouraged.
References
Shah, A., & Jadhav, A. (2021). Nutritional Intervention, Children with Intellectual Disabilities: Health and Development Implication. J Pediatric Healthcare.
Kundu, S., & Mehta, R. (2018). Physical activity and Immune Response of Children with Disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation.
Smith, L., & Miller, R. (2019). A review of the coping mechanisms of stress and Immunity in Children with Intellectual Disabilities. International Journal of Special Education.
Lee, A., & Lee, J. (2020). Sleep and Immune Health: The Relationship between Sleep Disorders and Intellectual Disability in Children. Journal of Child Sleep Disorders.