'AEPA Special Education: Early Childhood (AZ083) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!'

Tay-Sachs Disease is a genetic disorder that is specifically known for its effect on brain function, leading to significant cognitive impairment and intellectual disabilities in infants and young children. It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme hexosaminidase A, which leads to the accumulation of GM2 gangliosides in the brain and nervous system. This accumulation causes progressive neurological damage, often resulting in developmental delays, loss of motor skills, and ultimately severe intellectual disabilities.

The other conditions listed—Personality Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder—do not typically cause intellectual disabilities. These disorders primarily affect emotional and social functioning rather than cognitive abilities directly. As a result, Tay-Sachs stands out as the condition specifically associated with intellectual disabilities in the context of young children.