Signs of Intellectual Disability in Newborns

It is difficult to identify signs of mental or intellectual disability in a newborn baby. The signs are usually not obvious before six months of age. Intellectual disability can be diagnosed in newborns only if they have syndromes such as Down’s syndrome, Edward’s syndrome, or Patau syndrome. Fragile X can also be diagnosed at birth. If the newborn has any brain malformation, that can also be diagnosed at birth. A child with hypoxic brain injury at birth can also get diagnosed with intellectual disability.

Symptoms of Intellectual Disability at Birth

The symptoms of intellectual disability are not obvious. However, some signs may indicate an intellectual disability and should be discussed with your pediatrician before inferring any condition. The signs include:

• Baby does not suck or latch properly.
• Baby gets frequent fits or convulsions.
• Baby seems extremely stiff or flaccid.
• The growth development is slow and even after a couple of months, they appear like a newly born baby.
• The baby cries continuously and cannot be comforted.
• The baby not crying when they should like when they are hungry or need a diaper change.
• The baby sleeps too much and has no interest in their surroundings.
• They do not get excited by an external stimulus like a moving object in front of their eyes or a new sound.
• The baby has weird eye movement; they do not make eye contact or roll their eyes strangely. Sometimes, they have a vague stare that does not fix any focal point.
• The baby has strange facial or body movements; sometimes their face or body may hang to one side or they may rock the body weirdly.
• The baby cries differently, they may whimper like a cat or have a high-pitched scream.
• The child seems inactive or less active than babies of the same age.

If you notice any of the above signs in your infant, consult with your pediatrician. He may advise you to do a screening for Down’s syndrome. Your doctor will recommend frequent screenings till 18 months of age or more to diagnose the type of disability if any.