Editorial Intellectual Disabilities: Public Policy and Resources

The prevalence of intellectual disability is an estimated to be 1-4%. Etiological factors such as malnutrition, lack of perinatal care, and exposure to toxic and infectious agents, which are more common in low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries, possibly contribute to a higher prevalence of intellectual disabilities in these countries.1-5 People with intellectual disabilities have a greater risk of experiencing physical and mental health problems and are vulnerable to chronic disease at an earlier age.2,6 While the disease burden due to intellectual disabilities has not been estimated, it is known that 1% of the global burden of diseases is due to lead exposure derived intellectual disability and cardiovascular diseases alone.7 In addition, persons with intellectual disabilities are frequently the most vulnerable group of the society and, on many occasions, are exposed to human rights violations and deprived of minimum services and dignity. They are often unable to access basic health and educational services, and are excluded from ordinary social relations.8 Intellectual disability is thus a problem of great importance for public health, education, employment and human rights.5 Inclusion and right