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Profound intellectual disability is a category of intellectual disability defined within the IQ range of under 20. They require round-the-clock care. Around 1-2% of people with intellectual disability are at the profound level.[1]

Diagnosis should include adaptive functioning skills as well as IQ. A loved one can fill out an adaptive behavior rating scale. Diagnosis will involve IQ, adaptive behavior, and the examiner's observations of the person.

Abilities and needs[]

An adult with profound intellectual disability will have abilities similar to those of a typically-developing person aged 3 or less.[2] They may be more advanced in some skill areas than others.

People with profound intellectual disability need help with self-care activities. They may be unable to understand or follow instructions.[3] They may respond to social activities.[1]

Communication may be very basic.[3] They may use gestures or sounds instead of words and phrases.

See also[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Gluck, Samantha. Mild, Moderate, Severe Intellectual Disability Differences, Healthy Place.
  2. Intellectual Disability, Cleveland Clinic
  3. 3.0 3.1 Johnson, Shannon. What You Should Know About Intellectual Disability, Healthline