## DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Intellectual Disability **Key Point:** DSM-5 defines intellectual disability (formerly mental retardation) by deficits across three adaptive functioning domains: ### The Three Core Domains | Domain | Definition | Examples | |--------|-----------|----------| | **Conceptual** | Academic and cognitive skills | Language, reasoning, memory, literacy, numeracy | | **Social** | Interpersonal competence and social judgment | Communication, empathy, peer relationships, social problem-solving | | **Practical** | Independence in daily activities | Self-care, occupational skills, money management, health/safety | ### Diagnostic Requirements 1. **Deficits in intellectual functioning** — confirmed by clinical assessment and standardized IQ testing (typically IQ ≤ 70) 2. **Concurrent deficits in adaptive functioning** — in at least one of the three domains above 3. **Onset during developmental period** — deficits present from childhood or early adolescence 4. **Not attributable to sensory, motor, or neurological impairment alone** **High-Yield:** The shift from IQ-only diagnosis to a three-domain adaptive functioning model reflects modern understanding that intellectual disability is about real-world functioning, not just test scores. **Clinical Pearl:** A child with IQ 65 but excellent self-care and social skills would not meet criteria for intellectual disability — all three domains must show deficits relative to developmental stage.
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