Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Exam

What is a potential cause of Intellectual Disabilities?

1. Environmental stressors

2. Genetic conditions

3. Lack of educational opportunities

4. Developmental delays

The correct answer is: Genetic conditions

Genetic conditions are a primary cause of intellectual disabilities. These conditions can arise from various factors such as chromosomal abnormalities, mutations in specific genes, or inherited traits that can disrupt normal brain development and function. Conditions like Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and other hereditary syndromes exemplify how genetic factors can lead to varying degrees of intellectual disability. While environmental stressors and the absence of educational opportunities can impact cognitive development, they typically relate more to external influences rather than being direct causes of intellectual disabilities. Developmental delays, while they may coincide or overlap with intellectual disabilities, are not inherently a cause but rather a symptom or characteristic associated with various conditions. Therefore, focusing on genetic conditions provides a more precise understanding of the origins of intellectual disabilities.