ABSTRACT
Intellectual impairments, as outlined in Chapter 2, are currently included in a limited range of sports such as table tennis, swimming and athletics at the Paralympic Games. Additionally they are included in a range of other major sporting events, including the Summer and Winter Special Olympics which are also run every 4 years. The most recent Summer Special Olympics held in 2011 attracted nearly 7000 athletes from 170 countries. Intellectual impairments cover a broad spectrum of disorders, with the overriding requirement being an IQ less than 75, age of onset under 18 years, and limitations in adaptive behaviour (such as self-care, communication, social interaction and learning). There are a large range of diagnoses, which include Down syndrome, autism, and Asperger syndrome. Some intellectual impairments also coincide with other clinical issues, including epilepsy, visual and auditory defects, and congenital heart disease.
