Severe Intellectual Disability: IQ Level and Warning Signs

Severe intellectual disability affects the cognitive potential of an individual such as reasoning, learning, problem-solving, and memory. They may also struggle with self-care and social and communication skills. Since they also deal with sensory or physical impairments, they need extra support. 

Severe Intellectual Disability Definition

Severe intellectual disability is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes limitations in adaptive behaviour and cognitive functioning. People with such a condition have a functioning level severely below the age expectations. They usually have a mental age ranging from 3 to 6 years on average. 

Severe Intellectual Disability Examples

A few examples of SID include:

1. Fragile X-Syndrome

This kind of genetic condition results in numerous developmental issues. These include cognitive impairments and learning disabilities. 

2. Heller’s Syndrome (Childhood Disintegrative Disorder)

This rare condition is caused by the late onset of developmental delays or sudden and severe reversals in social, language and motor skills. 

3. Autism 

Autism spectrum disorder causes communication issues, difficulties in social interaction and restrictive and repetitive behaviour. 

4. Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a common genetic disorder that causes mild to severe intellectual disability, declines facial features and delays physical growth. 

5. Asperger Syndrome 

It’s a pervasive developmental disorder that results in a pattern of signs. These could be a stereotype or restricted behaviour, interests and activities and social interaction issues. 

Severe Intellectual Disability IQ

As per AAIDD, the IQ range of people with severe intellectual disability is 20 to 34. Therefore, they need extensive support and daily care. 

Severe Intellectual Disability Symptoms

The symptoms of severe ID can differ as per the individual. But, generally, these include:

1. Mood Disorders

This type of disorder can cause mood disorders like anxiety or depression. 

2. Developmental Delay

People with severe intellectual disabilities may face delays in walking. Therefore, they usually develop motor skills more gradually than other kids of the same age. 

3. Behaviour Issues

Another common symptom of severe ID could be challenges in sticking to rules or behaving normally. 

4. Seizures

Few intellectual disability causes can even result in seizures. 

5. Failure to Memorize Things

They may find it tough to remember things. This typically affects their everyday functioning and learning. 

6. Speech Delay

Patients with severe intellectual disability often have delayed speech. 

7. Inability to Control Emotions

Few patients find it tough to control their emotions. 

8. Gradual or Delayed Learning

You can see these common symptoms in real-life experiences or academic settings. 

9. Hearing Issues

People with ID may also have hearing problems. 

Note: These signs become more clear with age. 

FAQ’s 

What is Severe Intellectual Impairment?

Severe intellectual disability is also called severe intellectual impairment. The severity can range from mild to profound. Also, the support level needed can differ accordingly. People with severe intellectual impairment typically use single phrases, words or gestures to communicate with others. 

What Causes Severe Intellectual Disability?

The following can cause severe ID:

• Extreme malnutrition.
• Lack of oxygen. 
• Pregnancy issues. 
• Exposure to harmful substances.
• Genetic conditions. 
• Infections that lead to brain damage. 
• Severe injury to the head. 

What is the Difference Between IQ and Adaptive Behaviour?

The intelligence quotient measures the cognitive potential of an individual via standardized tests. These tests usually focus on reasoning, knowledge, memory and problem-solving skills.

On the other hand, adaptive behaviour is the mixture of social, practical and conceptual skills that individuals use in their daily lives. These could be taking public transportation, communicating with others, self-care, etc. Adaptive behaviour is typically evaluated via questions about daily functioning. 

What are Some Common Misconceptions about Severe Intellectual Disability?

Below are the most common misconceptions about severe ID:

Misconception 1: Numerous individuals with intellectual disabilities struggle with severe ID. 

Fact: 85% of individuals suffering from intellectual disabilities are just impaired mildly. The majority of them have mild disabilities that do not have a significant impact while playing sports, being employed or getting educated at inclusive schools. 

Misconception 2: ID is contagious. 

Fact: In reality, intellectual disability doesn’t spread using any contact. 

Misconception 3: Intellectual disability is hereditary. 

Fact: Sometimes, intellectual disability gets inherited. But in most cases, external influences cause it. 

Misconception 4: Individuals with ID cannot have children or get married. 

Fact: This is not true. They do marry and have children.

Is profound and Severe Intellectual Disability the same?

No. Profound intellectual disability and severe intellectual disability are not the same. There are different levels of ID. Each has its own features. 

Severe intellectual disabilities have an IQ of 20 to 34. They usually face developmental delays. But may:

• Find it hard to communicate.
• Require direct supervision in social situations. 

However, profound intellectual disabilities have an IQ level of less than 20. These people usually face development delays in every area but usually have complicated healthcare needs and may find it hard to move from one place to another. Numerous patients are non-verbal. Therefore, they require extra attention in different aspects of their life. 

How can I help someone with Severe Intellectual Disability?

You can use the following tactics to help someone with severe ID:

• Give basic care like dressing, bathing, feeding, giving medicine, etc. 
• Communicate with images, gestures, or assistive technology. 
• To provide education, therapy, or healthcare services, consult a specialist near you. 
• Take care of their medical needs by keeping a health record and bringing it along to the appointments. You may also need to communicate with the doctor on behalf of the patient, doctor, or dentist. 
• Motivate him/her to take part in activities that resemble their interests and potential. 
• Provide different support services like special education, vocational programs, early intervention, family support, etc. 
• Ensure a comfortable environment to cater for their emotional and physical needs.