Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability also referred to as ‘mental retardation’, is a condition characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning (such as reasoning, learning, problem-solving) and adaptive behavior (such as communication, self-care, social skills, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks).
Forensic psychiatrists may evaluate the cognitive and adaptive functioning of individuals to determine the presence and severity of intellectual disabilities. The goal is to provide the court with information about the mental state of an individual and how it may impact their ability to understand legal proceedings or be held responsible for criminal behaviour.
CLASSIFICATION OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Intellectual disability can be classified into different levels or degrees based on IQ scores and adaptive functioning, such as communication, self-care, social skills, the ability to carry out everyday tasks, and independent living skills. This helps provide a better understanding of the range and severity of cognitive impairments. The categories are:
a) Mild Intellectual Disability (IQ: 50-70)
This represents the most prevalent category, accounting for 85-90% of all cases of intellectual disability.
Individuals in this category can often achieve vocational and social self-sufficiency with appropriate support and intervention.
They may be capable of learning practical skills and maintaining some level of independence.
b) Moderate Intellectual Disability (IQ: 35-50)
This category accounts for about 10% of all cases of intellectual disability.
With supervision and support, individuals in this category can often be trained to perform semi-skilled or unskilled work.
Individuals in this category may learn to speak and acquire basic communication skills. However, they may require assistance in various aspects of daily living.
c) Severe Intellectual Disability (IQ: 20-35)
It is typically recognized early in life, and there may be signs of poor motor development, including delayed milestones.
Speech development may be absent or significantly delayed. With appropriate support, some may learn to communicate through methods other than speech.
Despite significant challenges, individuals with severe intellectual disability can benefit from elementary training in personal health care.
d) Profound Intellectual Disability (IQ: <20)
It represents the most severe category, accounting for 1-2% of all cases of intellectual disability.
Developmental milestones are markedly delayed, and there may be associated physical disorders.
Achieving any level of independence may be extremely challenging, and these individuals typically need extensive support throughout their lives.