How The Severity of Intellectual Disabilities is Classified

Teen boy with Down syndrome painting on canvas with his tutor on terrace above riverbank

An intellectual disability is a condition that affects an individual’s cognitive functioning. It can result in difficulties with learning, problem-solving, social interactions, and overall adaptive functioning. Intellectual disabilities are usually present from birth or early childhood and can have a significant impact on an individual’s life.

What is an Intellectual Disability?

According to the DSM-5, an intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is present in childhood. An intellectual disability is characterized by intellectual difficulties along with difficulties in social, practical, and conceptual areas of daily living. According to the DSM-5, three specific criteria must be satisfied to diagnose an ID. The three criteria include:

  1.  Significant deficits in intellectual functioning- Through clinical evaluation and IQ testing, difficulties with judgment, reasoning, abstract thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, and academic learning are confirmed.
  2. Concurrent deficits or impairments in adaptive functioning- These deficits significantly hamper the individuals’ ability to conform to sociocultural and developmental standards for both their independence and their own social responsibility.
  3. Onset of these difficulties during the developmental period.

Currently, the DSM-5 focuses more on adaptive functioning and the performance of typical life skills when evaluating an individual for an ID.

Classifications of Severity for Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual disabilities are not a one-size-fits-all condition. They can vary in severity, and it is essential to understand the different classifications to provide appropriate support and services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The three main classifications of severity for intellectual disabilities are mild, moderate, and severe.

Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disability

Most people living with an ID have a mild intellectual disability. They are slower in all areas of social and daily living skills as well as in conceptual development. They are able to learn life skills and function within an ordinary life with minimal support. Those living with moderate intellectual ability also have the ability to care fo themselves, travel within their community, and learn safety and health skills. They may require moderate support in terms of self-care but lead functioning, fulfilling lives with a moderate level of support.

Severe Intellectual Disability

A severe intellectual disability presents with major developmental delays and while individuals can often understand speech, they often have more limited communication abilities. While they can learn daily routines and handle simple self-care tasks, they require social supervision. They will also often need family care or other supervised settings to live in.

Profound Intellectual Disability

Profound intellectual disability is classified as a significant impairment in both cognitive and adaptive function, affecting an individual’s ability to communicate and perform daily living activities independently. They typically have both physical and communication limitations that prevent them from living independently. Those with profound intellectual disabilities will require constant care and supervision throughout their lives.

Evaluating the Severity of Intellectual Disabilities

Evaluating the severity of an intellectual disability is a complex process that involves assessing an individual’s cognitive functioning, adaptive skills, and behaviors. Various tests and assessments can help determine an individual’s level of intellectual disability and guide appropriate interventions and support.

One commonly used assessment is the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), which measures an individual’s intelligence and provides an IQ score. Other assessments, such as the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, evaluate an individual’s adaptive skills in areas such as communication, daily living skills, and socialization.
One commonly used framework for determining the severity of an intellectual disability is the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS). This scale measures an individual’s support needs in across 49 areas of daily living, such as personal care, home living, community living, safety, employment, and social skills. The results from the SIS can help determine the level of support an individual with an intellectual disability may require.

It is crucial to note that these assessments are not the sole determinant of an intellectual disability’s severity. They should be used in conjunction with clinical observations, interviews with caregivers, and other relevant information to provide a comprehensive and accurate evaluation.

How Linx Community Services Can Assist

Linx Community Services is dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. We offer various programs and services that cater to the specific needs of each individual, regardless of their level of severity.

For those with intellectual disabilities, we offer life skills training and job coaching to help them become independent and gain meaningful employment. Our day programs provide a safe and nurturing environment for individuals with moderate intellectual disabilities to learn new skills, make friends, and participate in meaningful activities. We also provide residential services that offer round-the-clock care and support.

Additionally, we offer respite care services to give families and caregivers a much-needed break. With our respite care services, you can take time for yourself. Whether you need to run errands, attend an appointment, take a trip, etc., you can rest assured that your loved one is well-cared for and safe while in the care of our professionals.

At Linx Community Services, we understand that each individual with an intellectual disability is unique and deserves the best support possible. Our team of trained professionals works tirelessly to provide personalized care and assistance, helping individuals with intellectual disabilities live fulfilling lives.

In conclusion, understanding the different severity classifications for intellectual disabilities and how they are evaluated is crucial in providing appropriate support and services for individuals with this condition.

We are committed to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities and helping them reach their full potential. So, if your loved one is living with an intellectual disability, know that you are not alone, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and services.