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Severe intellectual disability is a category of intellectual disability defined within the IQ range of 20-34.[1] They often need daily care and support. Only 3-4% of people with intellectual disability fall into the severe range.[2]

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 a severe intellectual disability will have abilities similar to those of a typically-developing person between 3 and 6 years old.[3] They may be more advanced in some skill areas than others.

While people with severe intellectual disability often understand speech, their communication abilities are limited.[2] They may use gestures, words, and short phrases to communicate.[3] They may have a slow processing speed, meaning they need more time to think in a conversation.

They can often learn daily routines and some simple self-care skills.[2] However, they will need daily care and support.

See also[]

References[]