
Intellectual disability (ID) is a generalized neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant impairment in intellectual and adaptive functioning that is first apparent during childhood. While a specific full-scale IQ test score is no longer required for diagnosis, standardized testing is used as part of diagnosing the condition. An IQ score of below 70 is recommended for a clinical diagnosis of ID, with IQ scores between 70 and 75 indicating a significant limitation in intellectual functioning. The terms mild, moderate, severe, and profound have been used to describe the severity of the condition, with moderate ID typically associated with IQ scores ranging from 35 to 49, and severe ID associated with IQ scores ranging from 20 to 34.
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What You'll Learn

IQ scores of 40-54 are considered a moderate impairment
An IQ score is a measure of a person's intelligence, including their ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, and comprehend complex ideas. Typically, an IQ score of below 70 is considered to be indicative of a significant limitation in intellectual functioning. However, IQ scores are not the only factor in diagnosing intellectual disabilities, and clinical discretion is often necessary.
The specific impacts of an IQ score in the range of 40-54 can vary depending on individual strengths and weaknesses. Some individuals with moderate intellectual disabilities may have stronger conceptual skills, such as language and literacy, while others may have better practical skills, such as personal care and occupational abilities. Social skills can also vary, with some individuals facing greater challenges in interpersonal interactions and social problem-solving.
The support provided to individuals with moderate intellectual disabilities aims to promote independence and autonomy. Interventions and techniques are tailored to the unique needs of each person, focusing on the acquisition of functional skills. For example, reading interventions have shown improvements in phonological awareness, word reading, and expressive and receptive language skills. While many individuals with moderate intellectual disabilities may not learn to read, others may develop sight-word recognition and basic reading skills.
It is important to note that IQ scores are not the sole determinant of a person's abilities or potential. They are just one aspect of understanding a person's cognitive functioning and are considered alongside other factors, such as adaptive behavior and clinical evaluation. Additionally, IQ scores can vary over time, and an individual's skill level can improve with appropriate interventions and support.
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Moderate ID individuals can learn basic health and safety skills
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by significant impairment in intellectual and adaptive functioning. This impairment is typically identified during childhood and is associated with an IQ score of below 70. The American Psychiatric Association notes that the IQ score must be interpreted in the context of the person's difficulties in general mental abilities.
Moderate intellectual disability, with an IQ score ranging from 35 to 49, is almost always apparent within the first years of life. Speech delays are particularly common signs of moderate ID. Individuals with moderate ID require considerable support in academic, home, and community settings to ensure full participation. While their academic potential may be limited, they can learn basic health and safety skills, as well as participate in simple activities.
In terms of communication, individuals with moderate ID have fair skills but may struggle with complex communication. They often experience difficulty in social situations and challenges with social cues and judgment. These individuals can care for themselves but may require more instruction and support than the average person. Many can live independently, but some may still need the support of a group home or their parents.
Regarding academic abilities, individuals with moderate ID may show delays or difficulties in literacy, numeracy, motor coordination, and social-emotional development. They may also struggle with concentrating on specific tasks for extended periods. It is important to note that these individuals can still learn and develop essential skills with appropriate interventions and techniques.
Overall, moderate ID affects approximately 10% of individuals with intellectual disabilities. While they may face challenges, with the right support and instruction, they can lead fulfilling and independent lives.
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They can travel to familiar places and care for themselves
An intellectual disability (ID) is a generalized neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant impairment in intellectual and adaptive functioning. This impairment is typically identified during childhood and is diagnosed by assessing IQ and adaptive behavior.
IQ scores fall along a normal (bell-shaped) curve, with an average score of 100. An IQ score of below 70 is indicative of an intellectual disability. However, it is important to interpret the score in the context of the individual's difficulties in general mental abilities. The DSM-5 has shifted its focus from specific IQ scores to adaptive functioning and the performance of usual life skills.
Moderate intellectual disability, with an IQ range of 35-49, constitutes a significant impairment. Individuals with moderate ID can care for themselves and travel to familiar places, but they require varying levels of support and instruction. They may have fair communication skills but struggle with complex communication and social situations. They often require moderate support with self-care and may live semi-independently or in a group home.
The degree of impairment varies, and individuals with moderate ID can present a wide range of learning exceptionalities. They may experience delays or difficulties in literacy, communication, motor coordination, numeracy, and social-emotional development. These individuals may also face challenges in academic environments, with delays in reaching developmental milestones.
Overall, while individuals with moderate ID can travel to familiar places and care for themselves, they require varying levels of support and instruction to do so effectively. The focus of diagnosis and intervention is on enhancing their adaptive functioning and independence in daily life.
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Moderate ID individuals may need support in social situations
Intellectual functioning is measured using individually administered and psychometrically valid, comprehensive, culturally appropriate, and psychometrically sound tests of intelligence. While a specific full-scale IQ test score is no longer required for diagnosis, standardised testing is used as part of diagnosing the condition. An IQ of below 70 is recommended for a clinical diagnosis of Intellectual Disability (ID). However, the DSM-5 has abandoned specific IQ scores as a diagnostic criterion, instead retaining the general notion of functioning two or more standard deviations below the general population.
Moderate ID, with an IQ of 35-49, almost always becomes apparent within the first years of life. Speech delays are particularly common signs of moderate ID. People with moderate ID can take care of themselves, travel to familiar places in their community, and learn basic skills related to safety and health. However, they may need more instruction and support than the typical person. They face a range of challenges both inside and outside academic environments, with delays or difficulties in a range of skill areas like literacy, communication, motor coordination, numeracy, and social-emotional development. They may have difficulty in social situations and problems with social cues and judgment. They require considerable support in school, at home, and in the community to fully participate. While their academic potential is limited, they can learn simple health and safety skills and participate in simple activities.
The DSM-5 notes that intellectual functioning reflects several different components: verbal comprehension, working memory, perceptual reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract thought, and cognitive efficacy. The new DSM-V adds another layer of diagnostic criteria, requiring mental health professionals to assess the level of impairment by weighing the IQ score against the person's ability to perform day-to-day life skills and activities. The ultimate goal for every intervention or technique is to give the child autonomy and a sense of independence using the acquired skills they have.
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They may live semi-independently with supportive services
Intellectual disability (ID) is a generalized neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant impairment in intellectual and adaptive functioning that is first apparent during childhood. The clinical symptoms and signs of intellectual disability are recognized during infancy and childhood. While a specific full-scale IQ test score is no longer required for diagnosis, standardized testing is used as part of diagnosing the condition. A full-scale IQ score of around 70 to 75 indicates a significant limitation in intellectual functioning. However, the IQ score must be interpreted in the context of the person’s difficulties in general mental abilities.
IQ test results fall along the normal (bell-shaped) curve, with an average IQ of 100, and individuals who are intellectually disabled are usually two standard deviations below the average (IQ below 70). Various issues (e.g., co-occurring communication problems, sensory or motor difficulties) can affect assessment, and psychologists must address these when considering which tests to use.
Moderate intellectual disability (IQ 35–49) is almost always apparent within the first years of life. Speech delays are particularly common signs of moderate ID. People with moderate intellectual disabilities need considerable support in school, at home, and in the community to fully participate. While their academic potential is limited, they can learn simple health and safety skills and participate in simple activities. They may have difficulty in social situations and problems with social cues and judgment. They can care for themselves, but they might need more instruction and support than the typical person. Many can live independently, but some still need the support of a group home. About 10% of those with intellectual disabilities fall into the moderate category.
As adults, they may live with their parents, in a supportive group home, or even semi-independently with significant supportive services to help them, for example, to manage their finances. They may work in a sheltered workshop. These individuals can learn practical life skills, which allows them to function in ordinary life with minimal levels of support. They may show delays or difficulties in a range of skill areas like literacy, communication, motor coordination, numeracy, and social-emotional development.
Supportive services can include assistance with daily living skills, such as personal care, household tasks, and money management. These services can also provide support with social and communication skills, such as teaching individuals how to interact with others and express their needs effectively. Additionally, supportive services can offer assistance with education and employment, helping individuals with moderate intellectual disabilities to access suitable educational programs and gainful employment opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
Intellectual disability (ID), also known as general learning disability, is a generalized neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant impairment in intellectual and adaptive functioning that is first apparent during childhood.
Intellectual functioning is measured with individually administered and psychometrically valid, comprehensive, culturally appropriate, and psychometrically sound tests of intelligence. While a specific full-scale IQ test score is no longer required for diagnosis, standardized testing is used as part of diagnosing the condition.
A full-scale IQ score of around 70 to 75 indicates a significant limitation in intellectual functioning. IQ scores between 40 and 54 are considered a moderate impairment, while scores below 40 are considered an extreme impairment. Moderate ID is typically associated with IQ scores ranging from 35 to 49, while severe ID is associated with IQ scores ranging from 20 to 34.
Individuals with moderate intellectual disabilities may exhibit delays or difficulties in a range of areas, including literacy, communication, motor coordination, numeracy, and social-emotional development. They may have fair communication skills but struggle with complex communication and social interactions. They can typically care for themselves but may require more instruction and support than the average person. Those with severe intellectual disabilities exhibit major developmental delays and have minimal communication skills beyond basic levels. They may learn basic self-care but require direct supervision and support in most areas of their lives.
About 10% of people with intellectual disabilities fall into the moderate category, while only around 3-4% fall into the severe category. Overall, about 85% of people with intellectual disabilities are in the mild category, 10% in the moderate category, 3.5% in the severe category, and 1.5% in the profound category.

























