Final answer:
The IQ score threshold for a mild intellectual disability is 70.
Step-by-step explanation:
The IQ score threshold below which a person can be diagnosed with a mild intellectual disability is 70. According to the American Psychiatric Association, only 2.2% of the population has an IQ score below 70. If a person earns a score approximately two standard deviations below the mean on an intelligence test, which is about 70 on a test with a mean of 100, and has major deficits in adaptive functioning, they can be diagnosed with an intellectual disability (ID).
The traditional classification for intellectual disabilities is based on IQ (intelligence quotient) scores, along with an assessment of adaptive functioning. The classifications are generally as follows:
Mild Intellectual Disability:
IQ Score: 50-55 to approximately 70-75
Individuals may have some difficulty in academic and social skills but can often learn practical life skills.
Moderate Intellectual Disability:
IQ Score: 35-40 to 50-55
Individuals typically require support for activities of daily living and may need supervision.
Severe Intellectual Disability:
IQ Score: 20-25 to 35-40
Individuals usually require significant support for daily living and may have limited communication skills.
Profound Intellectual Disability:
IQ Score: Below 20-25
Individuals have significant intellectual and developmental impairments, often requiring extensive support and assistance.
It's important to note that these classifications are part of a broader understanding of intellectual disabilities, and other factors, such as adaptive functioning and the individual's overall context, are also considered in making a diagnosis. Additionally, the field of intellectual disability diagnosis has evolved, and professionals may use a more comprehensive approach that goes beyond relying solely on IQ scores.