Fact check: What are the diagnostic criteria for intellectual disability?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, the diagnostic criteria for intellectual disability have evolved significantly and are now comprehensively defined across multiple classification systems. The core diagnostic criteria include several key components:

Primary Criteria:

• Significantly below average intellectual functioning - typically defined as approximately two or more standard deviations below the mean, which corresponds to an IQ score below 70 ^{[1] [2]}
• Significant limitations in adaptive functioning across three domains: conceptual, social, and practical skills ^{[3] [4]}
• Onset during the developmental period - the condition must manifest during childhood or adolescence ^[2]

Assessment Methods:

The diagnosis requires comprehensive evaluation through standardized testing and clinical behavioral indicators ^[2]. Modern approaches emphasize assessment across multiple cognitive domains including perceptual reasoning, working memory, processing speed, and verbal comprehension ^[5].

Severity Classification:

Intellectual disability is classified into four severity levels: mild, moderate, severe, and profound based on the degree of impairment ^[6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question, while straightforward, lacks awareness of several important contextual factors:

Evolution of Diagnostic Approaches:

• The DSM-5 has revised its approach to emphasize comprehensive patient assessment and move away from purely IQ-based definitions ^[3]
• There has been a significant shift from traditional IQ-focused criteria to a more nuanced understanding that prioritizes adaptive functioning and developmental trajectory ^[5]

International Classification Variations:

• The analyses reveal that ICD-11 provides specific diagnostic frameworks that may differ from other classification systems ^[2]
• There is an ongoing international consensus effort to redefine intellectual disability terminology and criteria ^[5]

Comprehensive Assessment Requirements:

• Modern diagnosis requires clinical evaluation beyond standardized testing to assess real-world functioning ^{[1] [6]}
• The importance of assessing adaptive skills across conceptual, social, and practical domains is emphasized more strongly in current practice ^[4]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation or bias, as it is a straightforward request for factual information. However, there are potential areas where incomplete understanding could lead to misconceptions:

Oversimplification Risk:

The question might imply that diagnostic criteria are static and universally agreed upon, when the analyses show that diagnostic approaches are actively evolving and becoming more sophisticated ^[5].

IQ Score Overemphasis:

Without proper context, responses might overemphasize the traditional IQ cutoff of 70, when current practice recognizes that intellectual disability diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment beyond just IQ scores ^{[3] [5]}.

Terminology Sensitivity:

The analyses indicate ongoing efforts to redefine terminology around intellectual disability ^[5], suggesting that diagnostic criteria discussions should acknowledge the evolving nature of both terminology and understanding in this field.