Intellectual disabilities in children and adolescents

Factors which may indicate no significant intellectual disability

• Successfully attends mainstream education without extra support.
• Gained qualifications.
• Can handle complex tasks such as managing finances, social life, and using public transport without assistance.
• Have a recorded intelligence quotient (IQ) above 55, which typically indicates the ability to manage these tasks independently.

Indications of moderate, severe or profound intellectual disability

Delayed development and difficulties

The individual experiences delays or difficulties in development, particularly in social functioning and daily living tasks.

Need for significant assistance

The person requires substantial help with basic survival needs (for example, eating, personal care, staying warm) and social or community adaptation (for example, problem-solving, reasoning in social situations).

Criteria for intellectual disability

Presence of all three criteria for intellectual disability:

• Significant impairment in intellectual functioning and social adaptive functioning, usually evident before the age of 18.
• Difficulties present in various areas of functioning, not attributable to another diagnosis.
• The person is in contact with a specialist intellectual disability service for assessment and support.

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Page last reviewed: March 11, 2025
Next review due: March 11, 2026