What IQ level typically indicates an intellectual disability?

An IQ level of 70 or below is widely recognized in psychological assessment as indicating an intellectual disability. This threshold is significant because it not only considers a person's cognitive abilities but also encompasses the concept of adaptive functioning, which refers to the effectiveness with which individuals cope with the demands of everyday life. An IQ score at or below this level typically correlates with challenges in intellectual functioning and limitations in skills necessary for daily living.

Furthermore, when diagnosing intellectual disabilities, professionals also look for the presence of these limitations during the developmental period, ensuring that the difficulties experienced are not solely the result of environmental factors or lack of educational opportunity but are intrinsic to the individual's cognitive profile. Thus, an IQ score of 70 or below is critical in determining the presence of an intellectual disability, serving as a foundational criterion in the field of special education and psychological assessments.