10 Harmful Misconceptions about People with Intellectual Disability

Many of us know someone who has an intellectual disability, but do we really understand what that means? Unfortunatly there are many harmful misconceptions out there!
Too often, people with intellectual disabilities are seen as being different or lesser than those without. This is not only untrue, but it’s also damaging!!
In this blog post, we will dispel some of the myths that surround intellectual disability and show you how we can change the way we think about it.
An intellectual disability is a condition that affects a person’s ability to think, learn, and communicate. It is often diagnosed in childhood, but can occur at any age. People with intellectual disabilities can live full and happy lives, but they may need some extra support to reach their full potential.
There are many myths and misconceptions about people with intellectual disability.

Here are some of the most common harmful misconceptions:

Myth 1: People with intellectual disability are lazy

This couldn’t be further from the truth!
People with intellectual disabilities often have to work harder than their peers to achieve the same goals. They may need extra help and support, but that doesn’t mean they are lazy!

Myth 2: People with intellectual disability are unintelligent

Again, this is simply not true!
People with intellectual disability have the same range of intelligence as everyone else. They may learn and process information differently, but that doesn’t make them any less intelligent.

Myth 3: People with intellectual disability cannot communicate

People with intellectual disabilities can and do communicate!
Some people use different methods of communication, such as sign language or picture boards, but are still able to express themselves.

Myth 4: People with intellectual disability are always happy

Just like everyone else, people with intellectual disabilities have good days and bad days.
Some say that they may seem happy all the time, but that doesn’t mean they don’t experience sadness, anger, or other emotions.

Myth 5: People with intellectual disability are a burden on society

People with intellectual disability contribute to society in many ways!
Some people work full-time, some people volunteer, some people participate in sports and other activities, and lead happy and fulfilling lives.

Myth 6: People with intellectual disability are dangerous

When a group of like-minded people come together, their shared experiences often cause them to think the same, come up with similar ideas, and derive similar conclusions. It’s difficult to be innovative when there is a lack of diversity.

Myth 7: People with intellectual disability can’t live independently

People with intellectual disability can and do live independently!
With the right support, they can live in their own homes, work, and participate in their community.

Myth 8: People with intellectual disability don’t have feelings

People with intellectual disabilities feel all the same emotions as those without intellectual disability!
They may not always be able to express them in the same way, but that doesn’t mean they don’t feel them.

Myth 9: People with intellectual disability can’t have successful relationships

People with intellectual disability can and do have successful relationships!
Some people like everyone else may require some extra help and support, but they are capable of forming deep and lasting bonds with others.

Myth 10: People with intellectual disability are not as important as those without

This is perhaps the most harmful myth of all!
People with intellectual disability have the same right to life as everyone else. They have hopes, dreams, aspirations and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
These are just some of the harmful myths about people with intellectual disability. Unfortunately, these misconceptions are all too common.
People with intellectual disability often face discrimination and exclusion because of them.

It’s time to change the way we think about people with intellectual disabilities.

They are just like everyone else, with their own unique talents and abilities. They deserve to be treated with respect and included in all aspects of life. Let’s start by debunking these myths and raising awareness about the true nature of intellectual disability.

What are some other misconceptions about people with intellectual disabilities that you’ve heard? How can we change our view on disabilities?