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Intellectual disability involves problems with general mental abilities that affect functioning in two areas:
Intellectual disability affects about one percent of the population, and of those about 85 percent have mild intellectual disability. Intellectual disability is identified by problems in both intellectual and adaptive functioning.
Read more on symptoms & treatment
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
ARC for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
I have heard the terms intellectual disability and developmental disability. Are they the same?
These terms are not the same, though there is some overlap. Developmental disability is a broad category that includes intellectual disability (ID) as well as autism spectrum disorder and other developmental diagnoses. Intellectual disability refers to people whose cognitive ability and adaptive functioning are significantly below average. People with autism spectrum disorder have difficulties with social interaction and impairments in communication; many also have intellectual disability. Read More
At what age can a child be evaluated for intellectual disability?
Parents and caretakers are often the first to notice delays in a child’s development.
If you’re concerned about the development of your infant or toddler, or you suspect your child has a disability, talk with your child’s pediatrician. You may also contact your local early Intervention program directly (see links below) and ask to have your child evaluated. Early intervention is a national system of services that helps babies and toddlers (birth to 3 years) with developmental delays or disabilities. Evaluation is provided free of charge.
See contact information for state early intervention programs. Learn more about early intervention from the Center for Parent Information and Resources. Read More
What is involved in diagnosing intellectual disability?
Intellectual disability involves problems in both intellectual and adaptive functioning.
Intellectual functioning is assessed with an exam by a doctor and through standardized testing. While a specific full-scale IQ test score is no longer required for diagnosis, standardized testing is used as part of diagnosing intellectual disability. A full scale IQ score of around 70 to 75 indicates a significant limitation in intellectual functioning. However, the IQ score must be considered in relation to the bigger picture of the person’s general mental abilities. Also, specific areas of intellectual functioning (identified in IQ subtest scores) can vary a great deal. So the full scale IQ score may not accurately reflect overall intellectual functioning.
Adaptive functioning refers to a child’s abilities with common skills needed for everyday life compared to other children the same age. Three areas of adaptive functioning are considered: conceptual (such as language and academic skills); social (such as communication skills and the ability to follow rules); and practical (such as personal care and other daily life skills). Adaptive functioning is assessed through standardized measures (questionnaires/checklists) with the individual and through interviews with family members, teachers and caregivers. Read More
About the Expert:
Mark J. Hauser, M.D. Psychiatrist practicing in the Greater Boston Area President, On-Site Psychiatric Services, Inc.
Jordan, 32, loves his work. He lives with and assists his aging grandparents. He is able to help them with cooking, cleaning, and exercising daily. Jordan has been very successful at helping his grandparents live independently by maintaining the basic chores of their home and keeping a structured environment for them. He describes himself as "a good helper."
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JULY 8, 2020
Education Week
During the global pandemic brought on by the novel coronavirus, those travel plans could present a roadblock that hampers the ability of millions of children to return to in-person instruction.
JUNE 18, 2020
Program Helps KU Prepare Students With Intellectual Disability Thrive Among PeersUniversity of Kansas
When COVID-19 prompted the closure of the University of Kansas campus, Dana Lattin had faith that students in KU Transition to Postsecondary Education, or TPE, could adapt to their new online experiences. That’s because TPE is based on developing problem solving, creativity and resiliency, she said. Established with a five-year grant to the KU Life Span Institute in 2015, TPE offers students with intellectual disability a combination of academic, career development and student life experiences that builds their community participation and prepares them for employment.
JUNE 11 2020
New research shows people with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism are more likely to become infected by and die from COVID-19, especially at younger ages. Part of the reason is that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are more likely to have pre-existing health conditions that increase their risks of severe consequences.
Physician Reviewed
Ranna Parekh, M.D., M.P.H. July 2017