Intellectual disability

Sveapsykologerna investigates intellectual disabilities. We have very short waiting times, which means that you can usually start a neuropsychiatric assessment within a week.

In terms of price, we are lower than most other private clinics in Sweden. The price for a neuropsychiatric assessment at Sveapsykologerna is from SEK 29,995 and upwards. The price varies depending on several factors, such as how complex the investigation is, the client's age and which city the client is in. There is a possibility of partial payment.

Sveapsykologerna investigates adults, adolescents and children. We do not investigate people with ongoing substance abuse. Our competent psychologists and psychiatrists/doctors have extensive experience of working with neuropsychiatric assessments. There is also the possibility of psychological treatment/psychotherapy and support conversations after the investigation.

People seeking neuropsychiatric assessments in the private sector are often people who are fed up with the long waiting times in the County Council. Contact us via the contact form - by clicking the button below - and we will get back to you within a few hours for a free consultation.

Having an intellectual disability means having difficulty understanding and learning certain things. There are different degrees of intellectual disability. Good routines and aids can make everyday life easier. Intellectual disability is also called mental retardation. It varies how early it is noticed that someone has an intellectual disability. For those with Down syndrome, it can be noticed after birth. For others, it may not be noticeable until school age.

If you have an intellectual disability, you may have difficulties in these three areas:

• Theory. This means being able to imagine things in your mind. For example, reading, writing, counting and other skills taught at school.

• Social interaction. That is, how to socialize with others. Assessing other people and situations.

• Practical things. This means everyday activities such as washing, dressing, cleaning and managing money.

When you have an intellectual disability, your brain functions are impaired. It is not a disease, but you may need help and support to do certain things.

Intellectual disability is usually divided into four levels

Disabilities are categorized as mild, moderate or fair, severe and very severe. Depending on the level you have, life can be affected in different ways. There is a big difference in how much support you need.
Many people with intellectual disabilities also have other disabilities or conditions, such as: epilepsy, visual or hearing impairment, motor difficulties and autism.

Being assessed for intellectual disability

It is good to find out if you have an intellectual disability as early as possible. Once you know, you can more easily get the help you need. Sveapsykologerna has tests and methods that show whether you have an intellectual disability and what level it is at. During the assessment you will talk to a psychologist and do various tests and tasks. You will also see a doctor who will examine you for any other difficulties or illnesses. Who carries out the assessment and how it is carried out varies, depending in particular on your age.

If you have a mild intellectual disability, you can manage most things yourself. But you may need help with some practical things, such as managing your finances. If you have a moderate intellectual disability, you may need more help. For example, you may need help with food, clothing, appointments and finances. If you have a severe or very severe intellectual disability, you need a lot of help. It is common to live in a group home or your own apartment with assistants to help you.

You are entitled to receive support from the municipality and the region if you have an intellectual disability. You can ask a case officer in the municipality or region for information. There is a specific law, LSS, which determines the rights of persons with a disability. It is also possible to receive care allowance from Försäkringskassan.

Having an intellectual disability can be caused by many different things. It may be due to an abnormality in the chromosomes, for example if you have Down syndrome or fragile X syndrome. An intellectual disability can be caused by injuries or illnesses that happened in the womb or during childbirth. It can also be caused by other things. Sometimes the cause is not known.

Finding out that you or your child has an intellectual disability can be overwhelming. It can be both a relief and a sadness. It can be a relief to understand why you function the way you do. Some things can be better explained and it can feel good to get the help you need. At the same time, it can be sad to have it confirmed that you have a disability.

Information and discussion can help you feel more comfortable in your new situation. Learning more about intellectual disabilities is usually helpful. It is also possible to talk to someone in the health care or habilitation services, such as a counselor.

Life can look very different for people with intellectual disabilities. It's not just the disability that determines what you can do. Training, communication, experiences and adaptations are other things that can make a difference. Children with intellectual disabilities usually don't need any special accommodations in preschool. Some may be supported by a resource person. The child may also receive aids at school. Some children then go to a special school. Others go to primary school. Those who go to primary school usually switch to special school when they get older. Special school also has a specialization called training school, which is simpler than special school. What is suitable for different children varies. Many children can learn to read and write, but for others it is more difficult.

Some children with intellectual disabilities have no problem speaking. For others, it is more difficult. It is good to communicate with the child in several ways. This can help language to develop. You can use sign language, signs as support, show pictures or objects. There are courses that teach good communication.