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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.

See definition, symptoms, & treatment

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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

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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 8, 2019

Film Challenges IQ Testing, Limits Place on People with Intellectual Disabilities

Caledonian Record

Intelligent Lives, a documentary by award-winning filmmaker Dan Habib, stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities – Micah, Naieer and Naomie – who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Cooper contextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional story of his son Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the U.S.

APR 29, 2019

House Moves to Change How Intellectual Disability is Determined in Death Penalty Cases 

Austin American-Statesman

The Texas House gave initial approval Monday to a bill that would clarify that defendants with intellectual disabilities are ineligible for the death penalty and change how the state determines a defendant’s disability status, a move that would put Texas law in line with the U.S. Supreme Court after it reversed a Texas death penalty decision earlier this year..

APR 24, 2019

Company exec says the best way to change the lives of those with disabilities is to hire them

The Inquirer Daily News

Mike Mitchell, vice chairman of the Graham Company insurance brokerage, will convend a summit of regional business leaders and urge them to hire people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our workplaces still don’t reflect the neurodiversity of the IDD population. More than 85 percent do not have paid work in the community, even though talent and ability are as variable in those with IDD as they are in the general population. When they do secure jobs, though, individuals with IDD often make fans of their bosses, according to a study by The Institute for Corporate Productivity.