Understanding this evaluation
An intellectual disability evaluation considers both reasoning abilities and how a person manages age-expected everyday demands. Diagnosis should never be based on an IQ score alone.
What it may look at
What the process often includes
- 1
History and context
Development, education, health, language, culture, and prior support are carefully reviewed.
- 2
Cognitive assessment
An individually selected measure examines reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
- 3
Adaptive assessment
Caregivers, teachers, or other informants describe functioning across everyday settings.
- 4
Integrated planning
Findings guide supports, services, education, and future planning based on the person's needs.
Questions families ask
Is an IQ score enough for diagnosis?+
No. Diagnosis requires significant limitations in both intellectual and adaptive functioning, with onset during the developmental period, interpreted in context.
Why is adaptive functioning important?+
Adaptive functioning describes how a person communicates, manages daily life, relates socially, and handles practical demands. It helps determine real-world support needs.
Can school testing answer this question?+
School evaluation can provide important cognitive and adaptive data for educational decisions. A private clinical evaluation may be useful for broader diagnostic or service questions.