Question

Individuals who are categorised as having intellectual disability show significant variation in their abilities, ranging from those who can be taught to work and function with special attention, to those who cannot be trained and require institutional care throughout their lives. Identify their categories according to IQ range and specify their potential functionalities.

Hint:

A quick way to remember functionality: Mild = Educable; Moderate = Trainable; Severe/Profound = Dependent.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Intellectual disability is classified into different levels based on the degree of cognitive impairment, usually measured by standardized Intelligence Quotient (IQ) tests.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The categories and their functionalities are:
1. Mild Intellectual Disability (IQ $50$ to $70$):
- These individuals are "educable."
- They can develop social and communication skills and can often function independently in the community with minimal support.
2. Moderate Intellectual Disability (IQ $35$ to $49$):
- These individuals are "trainable."
- They can learn basic self-care and simple occupational skills but usually require supervision in living and working environments.
3. Severe Intellectual Disability (IQ $20$ to $34$):
- They have significant motor and speech deficits.
- They can learn basic self-help skills with intensive training but require a highly structured environment and constant supervision.
4. Profound Intellectual Disability (IQ below $20$):
- They have extreme limitations in physical and cognitive functioning.
- They require constant nursing care and total supervision throughout their lives.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The classification ranges from Mild (independent with support) to Profound (constant institutional care), depending on the IQ score and adaptive behavior.