IDD

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are diagnosed in childhood but persist throughout your lifetime. At Puentes Medical Consultants, Bobbi Bridges, AGACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, provides compassionate, individualized treatment for adults with IDD and makes it easy to get the therapy you need. You can meet online through telemedicine, for quick and convenient care. If you have questions about IDD therapy or want to schedule an appointment, use online booking or call the office in San Antonio, Texas, or St. Petersburg, Florida, today.

What are IDDs?

IDD is a broad term encompassing many intellectual and developmental disabilities. These disabilities are typically present at birth and diagnosed by age 18.

Developmental disabilities

Developmental disabilities are neurological disorders that affect different aspects of a person’s mental, emotional, behavioral, and physical abilities, depending on the type of disability. Though these disorders can be cured with current treatments, therapy helps many people make great progress.

A few examples of developmental disabilities include:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Learning disabilities
• Language and speech disorders
• Cerebral palsy
• Some movement disorders

Developmental disabilities often coexist with mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Intellectual disabilities

An intellectual disability, also called an intellectual developmental disorder, is a permanent condition that causes significant impairment in a person’s intelligence and thinking processes. The severity of an intellectual disability is typically based on the person’s ability to meet the demands of daily life.

What symptoms occur due to IDDs?

IDDs are a diverse group that causes many different symptoms. In childhood, parents notice delays in developmental milestones, including sitting, walking, speaking, and communicating. Difficulties with self-care skills, poor problem-solving, and behavioral or social problems are also common signs.

However, IDDs affect several body systems, leading to a multitude of possible symptoms in children and adults:

Nervous system

IDDs that affect the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system cause problems with intelligence, learning, speech, and/or communication. They also lead to emotional, behavioral, and mental health disorders and may result in movement disorders and seizures.

Sensory system

People with an IDD often have problems with how their brain processes or interprets sensory information. They may overreact or underreact to sensory input, causing symptoms ranging from avoiding sensory stimulation like lights, sounds, and touch, to constantly seeking more stimulation.

Metabolism

IDDs may affect how your body metabolizes food and produces energy. This upsets the body’s balance, makes you vulnerable to physical problems, and may further disrupt brain function.

How are IDDs treated?

IDD treatment could include many types of therapy. Bobbi always creates individualized care plans that build on abilities while remediating and improving disabilities.

When providing IDD treatment, Bobbi can access you via telemedicine services in your home or other location and can travel to local day programs to evaluate in person.

To schedule an appointment, call Puentes Medical Consultants or book online today.