Intellectual Disability

A.  Current intellectual deficits of two or more standard deviations below the population mean, which generally translates into performance in the lowest 3% of a person’s age and cultural group, or an IQ of 70 or below. This should be measured with an individualized, standardized, culturally appropriate, psychometrically sound measure.

B.  And concurrent deficits in at least two domains of adaptive functioning of at least two or more standard deviations, which generally translates into performance in the lowest 3 % of a person’s age and cultural group, or standard scores of 70 or below. This should be measured with individualized, standardized, culturally appropriate, psychometrically sound measures. Adaptive behavior domains typically include:

Conceptual skills (communication, language, time, money, academic)

Social skills (interpersonal skills, social responsibility, recreation, friendships)

Practical skills (daily living skills, work, travel)

C.  With onset during the developmental period.

Code no longer based on IQ level.

·         Terminology changed to be consistent with AAIDD, CNS, AAN, international opinion; new term improves accuracy

·         Added rigor to wording regarding psychometrics (no change in cut –off), cultural sensitivity

·         Number of domains of adaptive functioning impaired based on factor analytic studies of adaptive behavior;

·         Adaptive functioning domains chosen represent those best determining impairments and level of overall functioning

·         Coding no longer based on IQ level:

Functionality improved

Inaccuracy of testing no longer a factor

Old criteria failed to consider adaptive behaviors in setting thresholds

Consistency with AAIDD practices

Mental Retardation

A. Significantly subaverage intellectual functioning: an IQ of approximately 70 or below on an individually administered IQ test (for infants, a clinical judgment of significantly subaverage intellectual functioning).

B. Concurrent deficits or impairments in present adaptive functioning (i.e., the person's effectiveness in meeting the standards expected for his or her age by his or her cultural group) in at least two of the following areas: communication, selfcare, home living, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self-direction, functional academic skills, work, leisure, health, and safety.

C. The onset is before age 18 years.

Code based on degree of severity reflecting level of intellectual impairment:

317 Mild Mental Retardation: IQ level 50–55 to approximately 70

318.0 Moderate Mental Retardation: IQ level 35–40 to 50–55

318.1 Severe Mental Retardation: IQ level 20–25 to 35–40

318.2 Profound Mental Retardation: IQ level below 20 or 25