TDNet Discover

Background: Intellectual Disability (ID) is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. ID is the most common developmental disability in the United States, affecting approximately 1 to 3% of children in varying degrees.1,2 There are significant barriers to healthcare in this population, with most reporting difficulty in finding healthcare providers appropriately trained and willing to care for them.1 The efficacy of commonly used pain assessment tools has been shown to be inadequate in assessing these children, as they often require verbal participation or only consider typical expressions of pain. Individuals with ID who cannot express pain or discomfort verbally often rely on parents or caregivers to understand and recognize their nonverbal cues and communication.1 These factors often result in inaccuracies in pain assessment and management.