What is Intellectual Disability

 Someone who has an intellectual disability would have limitations in two areas. These areas consist of “intellectual functioning” and “adaptive behavior”. Intellectual functioning (also known Intellectual Quotient or IQ) refers to a person’s ability to learn, reason, make decisions and solve problems. Adaptive functioning are the skills for day-to-day life, such as being able to communicate effectively, interact with others and take care of oneself. For instance, a 15 year old who has been diagnosed with an intellectual disability would have difficulty with learning and functioning in everyday life.

Although, this teenager is 15 years old, he or she might not talk, write or behave like a typical 15 year old. In the past, intellectual disabilities were known as “mental retardation”, but that term isn’t used anymore since it can be very hurtful and degrading. Typically, Intellectual disabilities are diagnosed before the age of 18 andvary in severity from Profound-Severe-Moderate-Mild. A severe intellectual disability would cause a 15 year old to behave how a 9 year old would.

Signs & Symptoms of Intellectual Disabilities

The signs and symptoms of intellectual disabilities range in extremity and can be apparent in infancy or in some cases may not be noticeable until school age. The most common symptoms can include:

• Rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking much later than developmentally appropriate
• Learning and developing more slowly than other children the same age
• Lower than average scores on IQ tests
• Issues remembering things
• Inability to connect actions to consequences
• Lack of or slow development of motor skills, language skills, and self-help skills, especially when compared to peers
• Failure to grow intellectually or continued infant-like behavior
• Lack of curiosity
• Problems keeping up in school
• Failure to adapt (adjust to new situations)
• Difficulty understanding and following social rules

Treatment for Intellectual Disabilities

Since there is no immediate cure for intellectual disability, the goal of treatment, however is develop the person’s potential to the fullest. Special education and training may begin as early as infancy. This includes social skills to help the person function as normally as possible. It is important for a specialist to evaluate the person for other physical and mental health problems. Persons with intellectual disability are often helped with behavioral counseling.

Eligibility Criteria for Disability Tax Credit for Intellectual Disabilities

There are various ways a person can be eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC).

The person must meet one of the following criteria:

• Is blind
• A person is considered blind, even with the use of corrective lenses or medication
• Is markedly restricted in at least one of the basic activities of daily living
• Markedly restricted refers to a person who is unable to or takes an inordinate amount of time to do one or more of the basic activities of daily living, even with therapy and the use of appropriate devices and medication
• Is significantly restricted in two or more of the basic activities of daily living
• Basic activities of life include speaking, hearing, walking, eliminating (bowel or bladder functions, feeding, dressing and mental functions necessary for everyday life
• Needs life-sustaining therapy
• Must meet both of the following standards. 1. The therapy is needed to support a vital function, even if it easies the symptoms. 2. The therapy is needed at least 3 times per week, for an average of at least 14 hours a week

In addition, the person’s impairment must meet all of the following:

• Is prolonged, which means the impairment has lasted, or is expected to last for a continuous period or at least 12 months
• Is present all or substantially all the time (at least 90% of the time)

Click Here To Check Your Eligibility for Disability Tax Credit for Intellectual Disabilities

How To Apply for Disability Tax Credit for Intellectual Disabilities

To apply for a tax credit go to www.canada.ca where you can find the Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate, that the child has prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) approves the form.

Disability Tax Credit Consultants at DCC can help to +claim this tax credit and collect up to $40,000 in disability tax credits.