Intellectual disability is typically characterized by which combination?

Intellectual disability is typically characterized by which combination?

• A. Significant delays in cognitive skills or intellectual function and in adaptive skills
• B. Delays in motor skills only
• C. Progressive decline in memory in adolescence
• D. Isolated reading difficulties

Answer: (A)

Intellectual disability involves core limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, with these difficulties beginning before age 18. The best description combines significant delays in cognitive skills and in adaptive skills, meaning a person has noticeable problems with reasoning or problem-solving as well as with everyday abilities like communication, taking care of themselves, and social interactions. Adaptive skills are practical, social, and conceptual abilities used in daily life. When these are significantly affected along with intellectual functioning, it results in a need for supports to help with independence and functioning. Other patterns don’t fit as well: delays limited to motor skills don’t capture the cognitive and adaptive challenges; a progressive memory decline in adolescence points to a neurodegenerative issue rather than an intellectual disability; and isolated reading difficulties would indicate a learning disability rather than broad limitations in both intellect and adaptive functioning.

Intellectual disability involves core limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, with these difficulties beginning before age 18. The best description combines significant delays in cognitive skills and in adaptive skills, meaning a person has noticeable problems with reasoning or problem-solving as well as with everyday abilities like communication, taking care of themselves, and social interactions.

Adaptive skills are practical, social, and conceptual abilities used in daily life. When these are significantly affected along with intellectual functioning, it results in a need for supports to help with independence and functioning.

Other patterns don’t fit as well: delays limited to motor skills don’t capture the cognitive and adaptive challenges; a progressive memory decline in adolescence points to a neurodegenerative issue rather than an intellectual disability; and isolated reading difficulties would indicate a learning disability rather than broad limitations in both intellect and adaptive functioning.