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Help With Intellectual Disability

Curated and updated for the community by APA

Topic Information

Intellectual disability involves problems with general mental abilities that affect functioning in two areas:

  • intellectual functioning (such as learning, reasoning)
  • adaptive functioning (activities of daily life such as communication and independent living)

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

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

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About the Expert:

Mark J. Hauser, M.D.
Psychiatrist practicing in the Greater Boston Area
President, On-Site Psychiatric Services, Inc.

Patient Story

Jordan's Story

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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Editor's Choice

MAY 18 2021

College Program for Students With Intellectual Disabilities
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The inclusive, four-year redwood seed scholars first-of-its kind in California. This fall, the first class of 12 Redwood SEED (Supported Education to Elevate Diversity) Scholars will join their fellow freshmen as part of the inclusive, four-year program. To qualify, students must have a diagnosed intellectual disability and be 18-23 years old. They may have neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, fragile X syndrome or Down syndrome, or a traumatic brain injury. The MIND Institute and the UC Davis Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are jointly running the new program. 

MAY 17, 2021

Colleges Prep Students With Intellectual, Developmental Disabilities For Jobs

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University of Northern Colorado graduated its first set of inclusive higher education students, who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. What that means for one family.  It is graduation season, and the University of Northern Colorado just graduated the first class in its inclusive higher education program. This is designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Reporter Stephanie Daniel from member station KUNC has the story..

APR 28 2021

FGCU set to launch academy for students with intellectual disabilities

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A first of its kind is right here in Southwest Florida, and it’s helping students with intellectual disabilities transition from high school to college. It’s teaching students how to become independent in the real world. Florida Gulf Coast University is offering Soaring Eagle Academy, a program offered in 298 schools nationwide. It consists of 39 credit hours over six consecutive semesters. Students attend classes, have homework, and learn how to live independently.