PROGRAMME manager for the South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) Idy Masilela shares insight on intellectual disabilities:

• Stimulation excites any part of the human body for development. It works best when disability is detected early in a child. It does not cure but improves functionality.

Stimulation is categorised into four different methods:

- Cognitive stimulation for improving intellectual capacity;

- Sensory stimulation for cerebral palsy;

- Movement stimulation for the function of the whole body, using exercise and passive movement; and

- Communication stimulation that concentrates on speech.

• Intellectually disabled children need more attention than those with a physical disability, though some improve spontaneously through independent exploration.

Sometimes children with cerebral palsy are very intelligent. Cerebral palsy is more common among children and intellectual disability becomes more common as the child gets older.

• Detecting intellectual disability is more difficult. But it can be detected in a 3-month-old baby.

Parents should look out for milestone periods that confirm normal functionality at specific developmental stages.

Once parents get suspicious of a child's response they should immediately consult a doctor or paediatrician.

For more information contact SAFMH on 011-781-1852.