Which term refers to a condition of limited mental ability, indicated by an intelligence score of 70 or below, with difficulty adapting to life demands?

• A. Intellectual Disability
• B. Dementia
• C. Autism Spectrum Disorder
• D. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Answer: (A)

Intellectual disability is identified when a person has significantly below-average intellectual functioning, often indicated by an IQ of 70 or below, along with substantial limitations in adaptive functioning—skills used in daily life such as communication, self-care, and social responsibilities—that begin during the developmental period. This combination distinguishes it from other conditions and explains why difficulty adapting to life demands is a key part of the definition.

Dementia involves a progressive decline in cognitive function that typically appears later in life and is due to neurodegenerative or other diseases, not just a fixed IQ threshold. Autism Spectrum Disorder centers on social communication differences and restricted, repetitive behaviors, with intelligence levels that can range widely. ADHD is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, not by a fixed drop in intellectual functioning or adaptive deficits present from development.