Mental retardation classification

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Chelsea Mae Nobleza, M.D.[2]

Overview

The DSM 5 Classification of Severity for Intellectual disability has veered away from IQ scores and now considers adaptive functioning as the basis for classification.

Classification of Intellectual Disability

Severity Level	Conceptual Skills	Social Skills	Practical Skills
Mild	Individuals can grasp simple mathematical operations like multiplication and division, write letters and lists; however, they have difficulty with complex tasks such as planning, strategizing, and abstract thinking.	They have difficulty interpreting social cues, and there is risk for manipulation.	They can do essential self-care and home activities as well as job applications but may require some support in banking, transportation and even raising a family.
Moderate	Academic skill development is markedly slowed compared to peers and adults attain elementary level of knowledge. They can do basic skills like copy address and basic reading.	There is a considerable gap in social skills compared to peers. They need constant support to succeed in communications in the work setting.	There is some independence in self-care and house chores with constant reinforcement.
Severe	Language, arithmetic, the concept of time, and money are markedly limited, and they need constant support in life.	Speech is characterized by simple phrases and words.	Constant support in all ADL is needed as they may also have motor comorbidities.
Profound	Very limited communication skills but may acquire visuospatial skills such as matching and sorting.	The individual communicates through non-verbal means and there may also be co-morbid motor and sensory impairments.	Require daily supervision across a lifetime.