Final answer:
Mr. Bakshi works with students diagnosed with intellectual disability, characterized by an IQ score below 70 and adaptive functioning deficits. Intelligence tests have faced criticism for biases, and it's important to distinguish between intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities or ASD. Providing proper accommodations and support is essential for these students' success in education.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mr. Bakshi works with children diagnosed with intellectual disability (ID). According to the American Psychiatric Association, an intellectual disability involves an IQ score approximately two standard deviations below the mean, which is around 70 on a standard test with a mean of 100, significant deficits in adaptive functioning, and the onset of these disabilities before the age of 18. Intellectual disability encompasses four subtypes: mild, moderate, severe, and profound, each with specific diagnostic criteria as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychological Disorders (APA, 2013).
The use of standardized intelligence tests has its limitations and has been the subject of legal scrutiny, as in the case of Larry P. v. Riles, which highlighted issues of racial and cultural bias in testing. Moreover, when evaluating children for potential placement in specialized educational programs or classes, it is critical to recognize that learning disabilities (such as dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia) are different from intellectual disabilities. These specific neurological impairments do not necessarily reflect overall intellectual functioning and may co-occur with other disorders like ADHD.
It is important to make a distinction between intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as they present different challenges and symptoms. While students with intellectual disabilities generally have lower IQ scores and difficulties in adaptive behaviors, those with ASD may exhibit symptoms such as impaired social skills or repetitive behaviors, and they can have a range of intellectual abilities from below average to above average. Ensuring appropriate accommodations and educational support is vital for the success of students with either condition.