My Adult Siblings Have Low IQs and Other Mental Disabilities. Should We Get a Formal Diagnosis?

I have two adult siblings who are almost 60 years old.

They were in "basic skills" classes at school years ago. That was the equivalent of today's "special education" classes.

To my knowledge, neither my parents nor my siblings have ever been told the "official" term for their condition. Keep in mind that when my siblings were growing up, far less was understood about developmental disabilities, etc.

Besides having lower IQs, my siblings are very very shy in social situations, have difficulty talking clearly, and are somewhat "clumsy."

In fact, one sibling used to have a drivers license and a job, but he wrecked his car somewhat frequently and had his arm broken by a machine at work. He was also burned by a chemical at work on another occasion.

Both siblings are on SSI.

Should our family get an "official diagnosis" to their conditions? Why or why not? If so, how should we proceed?

One of those siblings also happened to have been born "cross-eyed" and by "breech birth."

I have no idea if those two things tie in with his mental challenges.

If they are on SSI, they probably have diagnoses already.

"Lower IQ" is a basis for a diagnosis of mental retardation--depending on how low the IQ is.

An IQ of 100 is considered average.

An IQ of 70 to 83 is considered Borderline (lower than average but not low enough to be considered mentally retarded.

An IQ of 69 or lower is considered mental retardation.

The numbers might vary slightly depending on the test that was used.

Other factors like clumsiness and communication problems can be part of mental retardation or related conditions.

Some people with mental retardation have histories of birth problems such as prematurity.

Some people with mental retardation have strabismus (crossed eyes); but not all people with strabismus are mentally retarded. It is caused by a malfunction in a cranial nerve. Sometimes it can be a sign that someone has other problems with his or her nervous system, but some people have strabismus without having any other problems.

A diagnosis of a type of autism is also possible, but you didn't mention any obvious signs of that other than shyness, and all shy people aren't necessarily autistic. It would be very unusual for someone to be diagnosed with autism at the age of 60; it's generally diagnosed in childhood.

If your siblings are doing well enough under their present conditions they may not need any further action. If they require some sort of placement or disability income, it may be necessary.

Please note that your siblings still have the legal right to make their own decisions unless they have been declared legally incompetent in court and a legal guardian was appointed.

Dont see what it would help. Getting a medical term. Would it change anything? Just love eachother.

An official diagnosis would be a very good idea. Once you know more, the more you can help them or they can help themselves. It also can get them more services if need be.

Start out by talking to your family doctor ... he/she should be able to recommend someone to make the diagnosis.

Good luck!

Sounds like you already diagnosed them. You have already discounted there self worth. As a "disabled" person, I find you offensive.

OK, for one thing your siblings who are on ssi have probably been to the doctor's and have a diagnoses . In order to receive those types of income their had to of been evidence of their disabilities.
It could have happened years ago though depending on how long they have been receiving SSI.
Times have changed for the better for people who have disabilities.
there is something you can do if you want to know more about what is going on with them and to further provide for their needs. You can call your local regional center. They can give your siblings services and also do screenings .
I do know that the social security office has documentation.
Some of the behaviors you were describing fits into autism spectrum disorders quite well.