Assessment of disorders

Intellectual disability

Intellectual disability is identified by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.

What is intellectual functioning? Intellectual functioning incorporates the characteristics of intelligence, the abilities assessed by standardized intelligence tests, and the consensus view that intellectual functioning is influenced by other human functioning dimensions and by systems of supports.

Intellectual functioning is measured with individually administered and psychometrically valid, comprehensive, culturally appropriate, psychometrically sound tests of intelligence.

What is adaptive behavior? Adaptive behavior is the collection of conceptual, social, and practical skills that have been learned and are performed by people in their everyday lives, which include the following:

Three areas of adaptive functioning are considered:

• Conceptual – language, reading, writing, math, reasoning, knowledge,
• Social – empathy, social judgment, communication skills, the ability to follow rules and the ability to make and keep friendships.
• Practical – independence in areas such as personal care, job responsibilities, managing money, recreation, and organizing school and work tasks.

Adaptive functioning is assessed through standardized tools with the individual and interviews with others, such as family members, teachers and caregivers.