A Clear Path to Understanding: The Intellectual Disability Diagnosis Process at Cadabam’s

Navigating the uncertainty of your child's developmental journey can be one of the most challenging experiences for a parent. You may have questions about missed milestones, learning difficulties, or challenges with daily skills. At Cadabam's, we believe that clarity is the first step toward empowerment.

An Intellectual Disability diagnosis is not a label to limit your child; it is a clinical roadmap designed to understand their unique profile of strengths and challenges, unlocking the door to the most effective, personalized support.

With over three decades of compassionate, evidence-based care, our experts are here to guide you through a clear and supportive diagnostic process.

The Cadabam’s Difference: Empathy, Expertise, and Accurate Diagnosis

Choosing a partner for your child's developmental evaluation is a significant decision. A diagnosis shapes therapy plans, educational support, and family understanding. This is why Cadabam’s Child Development Center is committed to a process that is as compassionate as it is clinically precise.

A Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Team

A reliable Intellectual Disability diagnosis is never the conclusion of a single individual. True accuracy comes from collaborative expertise. At Cadabam’s, your child's evaluation is conducted by an integrated team of professionals that may include clinical psychologists, developmental pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists. This 360-degree approach ensures that we see the whole child, not just a set of symptoms, leading to a nuanced and comprehensive understanding.

State-of-the-Art, Evidence-Based Assessment Tools

We utilize the gold standard in diagnostic assessments, including globally recognized IQ assessments and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). Crucially, these tools are culturally adapted and administered in our modern, child-friendly treatment centre. Our infrastructure is designed to make children feel safe, comfortable, and engaged, allowing their true abilities to shine through during the assessment process.

Family-Centered Diagnostic Philosophy

We firmly believe that parents are the experts on their children. Your observations, concerns, and insights are an invaluable part of the diagnostic journey. We don’t just assess your child; we partner with you. From the initial consultation to the final feedback session, we prioritize open communication, ensuring you feel heard, respected, and empowered. For us, a diagnosis is a collaborative roadmap that we build together while strengthening family support for intellectual disability.


Early Signs and Developmental Milestones to Monitor

Recognizing when to seek diagnosis in teens or younger children is the first step. While every child develops at their own pace, consistent delays across several areas may suggest the need for an early intervention evaluation. It is important to monitor intellectual disability symptoms through developmental milestones.

Delays in Cognitive and Intellectual Functioning

These signs relate to how a child learns, thinks, and solves problems:

  • Significant difficulty understanding and following multi-step instructions.
  • Trouble with memory, such as recalling daily routines or previously learned information.
  • Noticeably slower to learn new concepts like colors, letters, or numbers.
  • Limited curiosity or problem-solving skills for their age.

Challenges in Adaptive Behavior: Practical Skills

  • Difficulties with age-appropriate self-care routines—feeding, dressing, or personal hygiene.
  • A lack of safety awareness (traffic dangers, hot surfaces).
  • In older teens, challenges with managing time or handling money may appear.

Challenges in Adaptive Behavior: Social Skills


Our Step-by-Step Guide on How to Diagnose Intellectual Disability

Understanding how to diagnose Intellectual Disability can demystify the process and reduce anxiety. At Cadabam's, our approach follows the DSM diagnostic criteria while keeping the family at the center.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and In-Depth Developmental History

The journey begins with a comprehensive developmental assessment covering milestones, medical history, school performance, and social interactions. Parental support for intellectual disability resources are introduced from day one.

Step 2: Core Intellectual Disability Diagnosis Criteria (as per DSM-5)

Our clinicians apply three key criteria for a formal Intellectual Disability diagnosis:

  • Criterion A: Intellectual Functions – Measured via standardized IQ tests by trained psychologists.
  • Criterion B: Adaptive Functioning – Assessed through instruments like the Vineland-3, incorporating input from parents and teachers.
  • Criterion C: Onset in Developmental Period – Signs must emerge in childhood or adolescence (before age 18).

Step 3: Performing a Thorough Differential Diagnosis

A careful differential diagnosis of Intellectual Disability rules out conditions with overlapping profiles.

Intellectual Disability vs Autism Diagnosis

FeatureIntellectual Disability (ID)Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Core DeficitGlobal deficits in IQ & [adaptive functioning]Challenges in social-communication & restrictive/repetitive behaviors.

Other common differentials include specific learning disabilities and speech or language disorders.

Step 4: The Diagnostic Report and Feedback Session

After the integrated assessment, we deliver a detailed guide summarizing strengths, needs, and recommendations. A dedicated family feedback session ensures every next step is clear.


A Diagnosis is the Beginning: Our Integrated Support Programs

An Intellectual Disability diagnosis marks the start of targeted support.


Who Can Diagnose Intellectual Disability? Meet Our Multidisciplinary Team

So, who can diagnose Intellectual Disability? Qualified professionals from our integrated team:


Our Stories: Providing Clarity and a Path Forward

The Sharma Family’s Journey

A 6-year-old boy was struggling in school. Our differential diagnosis revealed Mild ID instead of ADHD. The family received tailored therapy programs—including paediatric physiotherapy and educational support—transforming outcomes.

Parent Testimonial

“The detailed report was a revelation. We understood why he struggled and saw a clear path forward. The team’s support has given us hope.” – A. Kumar

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