{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis","path":"/library/assessment-diagnosis","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis","title":"The Diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities","family":"Library detail","description":"The Diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities. Explore this topic in the MentalHealth.com resource library.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"custom-shared-preview","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/assessment-diagnosis","wordpressId":"4730","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[],"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-05-31T23:31:33Z","dateModified":"2025-09-03T10:52:46Z"},"content":{"html":"<nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library\">Library</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessments-diagnosis\">Assessments &amp; Diagnosis</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">The Diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"article-page article-standard\" data-library-standard><div class=\"article-main-grid\"><header class=\"article-heading\"><h1>The Diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities</h1><div class=\"article-dates\"><span>Published on <time datetime=\"2024-05-31T23:31:33Z\">May 31, 2024</time></span><span aria-hidden=\"true\"> · </span><span>Updated on <time datetime=\"2025-09-03T10:52:46Z\">September 3, 2025</time></span></div></header><div class=\"article-jumpbar\"></div><div class=\"article-layout\"><div class=\"article-reading\"><article class=\"prose\" id=\"article-content\"><p>The first indication of an intellectual disability (ID, formerly mental retardation) is usually a child's physical and behavioral characteristics. Once an intellectual disability is suspected, a formal evaluation and assessment begins.</p><figure class=\"article-feature\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-13433.webp\" alt=\"An adult helps a child complete an activity at a table.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\"></figure><section class=\"article-takeaways\" aria-labelledby=\"key-takeaways\"><h2 id=\"key-takeaways\">Key takeaways</h2><ul><li>Intellectual disability assessment considers limitations in both intellectual abilities and everyday adaptive skills.</li><li>Evaluation includes medical history and examination to investigate possible physical, genetic, or neurological causes.</li><li>Psychological testing, caregiver and teacher interviews, and observations across settings help establish support needs.</li></ul></section><h2 data-editorial-heading=\"\" id=\"the-assessment-process\">The assessment process</h2><p>The evaluation begins with a complete physical examination. A thorough review of medical history identifies any physical or medical causes of the troubling symptoms. Some medical conditions that cause ID can be treated effectively. However, even reversible conditions require immediate attention. This is because prompt attention reduces the risk of lasting brain damage. Hyperthyroidism is an example of a treatable condition that can cause an intellectual disability if not treated promptly. If a neurological cause of the symptoms is suspected, the child is referred to a neurologist for further testing. The many <a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/\" class=\"article-inline-link\">causes of ID</a> are discussed in another section.</p><h2 data-editorial-heading=\"\" id=\"diagnostic-criteria-and-evaluation\">Diagnostic criteria and evaluation</h2><p>Previously, we reviewed intellectual disabilities are defined by two major symptoms. First, there are limitations in intellectual functioning (mental abilities). Second, there are limitations in adaptive functioning or life skills. These life skills include conceptual, social, and practical skills. Therefore, a medical evaluation is just the beginning of the assessment process. A thorough assessment usually includes the following:</p><ul class=\"doc\"> <li class=\"doc\">comprehensive medical exam; </li> <li class=\"doc\">possible genetic and neurological testing;</li> <li class=\"doc\">social and familial history;</li> <li class=\"doc\">educational history;</li> <li class=\"doc\">psychological testing to assess intellectual functioning;</li> <li class=\"doc\">testing of adaptive functioning;</li> <li class=\"doc\">interviews with primary caregivers;</li> <li class=\"doc\">interviews with teachers;</li> <li class=\"doc\">social and behavioral observations of the child in natural environments</li> </ul><h2 data-editorial-heading=\"\" id=\"testing-intellectual-and-adaptive-functioning\">Testing intellectual and adaptive functioning</h2><p>As mentioned, intellectual functioning and adaptive functioning are the primary diagnostic criteria. In the next section, we discuss various tests used to assess intellectual functioning and adaptive functioning. Since significant limitations in these two areas are the defining features of intellectual disabilities, these tests are essential to the diagnostic process.</p></article><div class=\"article-endmatter\"><section class=\"article-about article-panel\"><h2 id=\"about-mentalhealth-com\">About MentalHealth.com</h2><p>MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.</p><div class=\"article-contributors\"></div></section><section class=\"article-medical article-panel article-pending\" role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Pending medical review\"><h2 id=\"medical-review-status\">Pending Medical Review</h2><p>We take mental health content seriously and follow industry-leading guidelines to ensure our users access the highest quality information. All editorial decisions for published content are made by the MentalHealth.com Editorial Team, with guidance from our Clinical Affairs Team.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/publishing/editorial-policy\">Our medical review process</a></section><section class=\"article-expert article-expert-mobile\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><div class=\"article-expert-identity\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/10235.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roy-sugarman\">Dr. Roy Sugarman</a></h2></div><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Neuroscience and clinical mental health</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roy-sugarman\">View experience</a></section><section class=\"article-topic-community article-topic-community-mobile\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17205.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Lifespan Development</h2><p>Explore growth, transitions, and mental health through the different stages of life.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/lifespan-development\">Explore community</a></section></div></div><aside class=\"article-sidebar\" tabindex=\"0\" data-bounded-rail=\"\" aria-label=\"Article navigation and related information\"><details class=\"article-contents\" open data-section-preview=\"3\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-scrolled-past=\"false\"><summary><strong>Table of contents</strong><span aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><small data-current-section=\"\">Choose a section</small></summary><nav aria-label=\"Article contents\"><ol id=\"article-section-list\"><li><a href=\"#the-assessment-process\" title=\"The assessment process\" aria-label=\"The assessment process\">The assessment process</a></li><li><a href=\"#diagnostic-criteria-and-evaluation\" title=\"Diagnostic criteria and evaluation\" aria-label=\"Diagnostic criteria and evaluation\">Diagnostic criteria and evaluation</a></li><li><a href=\"#testing-intellectual-and-adaptive-functioning\" title=\"Testing intellectual and adaptive functioning\" aria-label=\"Testing intellectual and adaptive functioning\">Testing intellectual and adaptive functioning</a></li></ol><button type=\"button\" class=\"article-sections-toggle\" data-sections-toggle aria-controls=\"article-section-list\" aria-expanded=\"false\">View more</button></nav></details><section class=\"article-expert\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><div class=\"article-expert-identity\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/10235.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roy-sugarman\">Dr. Roy Sugarman</a></h2></div><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Neuroscience and clinical mental health</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roy-sugarman\">View experience</a></section><section class=\"article-topic-community\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17205.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Lifespan Development</h2><p>Explore growth, transitions, and mental health through the different stages of life.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/lifespan-development\">Explore community</a></section></aside></div></div></div>","text":"HomeLibraryAssessments & DiagnosisThe Diagnosis of Intellectual DisabilitiesThe Diagnosis of Intellectual DisabilitiesPublished on May 31, 2024 · Updated on September 3, 2025The first indication of an intellectual disability (ID, formerly mental retardation) is usually a child's physical and behavioral characteristics. Once an intellectual disability is suspected, a formal evaluation and assessment begins.Key takeawaysIntellectual disability assessment considers limitations in both intellectual abilities and everyday adaptive skills.Evaluation includes medical history and examination to investigate possible physical, genetic, or neurological causes.Psychological testing, caregiver and teacher interviews, and observations across settings help establish support needs.The assessment processThe evaluation begins with a complete physical examination. A thorough review of medical history identifies any physical or medical causes of the troubling symptoms. Some medical conditions that cause ID can be treated effectively. However, even reversible conditions require immediate attention. This is because prompt attention reduces the risk of lasting brain damage. Hyperthyroidism is an example of a treatable condition that can cause an intellectual disability if not treated promptly. If a neurological cause of the symptoms is suspected, the child is referred to a neurologist for further testing. The many causes of ID are discussed in another section.Diagnostic criteria and evaluationPreviously, we reviewed intellectual disabilities are defined by two major symptoms. First, there are limitations in intellectual functioning (mental abilities). Second, there are limitations in adaptive functioning or life skills. These life skills include conceptual, social, and practical skills. Therefore, a medical evaluation is just the beginning of the assessment process. A thorough assessment usually includes the following: comprehensive medical exam; possible genetic and neurological testing; social and familial history; educational history; psychological testing to assess intellectual functioning; testing of adaptive functioning; interviews with primary caregivers; interviews with teachers; social and behavioral observations of the child in natural environments Testing intellectual and adaptive functioningAs mentioned, intellectual functioning and adaptive functioning are the primary diagnostic criteria. In the next section, we discuss various tests used to assess intellectual functioning and adaptive functioning. Since significant limitations in these two areas are the defining features of intellectual disabilities, these tests are essential to the diagnostic process.About MentalHealth.comMentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.Pending Medical ReviewWe take mental health content seriously and follow industry-leading guidelines to ensure our users access the highest quality information. All editorial decisions for published content are made by the MentalHealth.com Editorial Team, with guidance from our Clinical Affairs Team.Our medical review processSubject matter expertDr. Roy SugarmanNeuroscience and clinical mental healthView experienceRelated communitiesLifespan DevelopmentExplore growth, transitions, and mental health through the different stages of life.Explore communityTable of contentsChoose a sectionThe assessment processDiagnostic criteria and evaluationTesting intellectual and adaptive functioningView moreSubject matter expertDr. Roy SugarmanNeuroscience and clinical mental healthView experienceRelated communitiesLifespan DevelopmentExplore growth, transitions, and mental health through the different stages of life.Explore community","wordCount":480},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Assessments & Diagnosis","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessments-diagnosis"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"The Diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#primaryimage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-13433.webp","contentUrl":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-13433.webp","width":1200,"height":600,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"An adult helps a child complete an activity at a table."},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#article","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis","headline":"The Diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities","description":"The Diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities. Explore this topic in the MentalHealth.com resource library.","wordCount":335,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"articleSection":"Library","inLanguage":"en-US","datePublished":"2024-05-31T23:31:33Z","dateModified":"2025-09-03T10:52:46Z","image":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#primaryimage"}},{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#webpage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis","name":"The Diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities","description":"The Diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities. Explore this topic in the MentalHealth.com resource library.","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#article"},"relatedLink":["https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/psychological-tests-intellectual-disabilities","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/intellectual-disabilities","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/perspectives-on-intellectual-disabilities","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/dsm-5-criteria-intellectual-disabilities","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/intellectual-functioning","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roy-sugarman"],"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"medicalAudience":{"@type":"MedicalAudience","audienceType":"General public"},"datePublished":"2024-05-31T23:31:33Z","dateModified":"2025-09-03T10:52:46Z","primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#primaryimage"}}]},"representations":{"html":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis","json":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/data/library/assessment-diagnosis.json","jsonLd":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/data/library/assessment-diagnosis.ld.json"},"$schema":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/data/page.schema.json","images":[{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-13433.webp","alt":"An adult helps a child complete an activity at a table.","width":1200,"height":600},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/10235.jpg","alt":"","width":64,"height":64},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17205.webp","alt":"","width":48,"height":48}],"sections":[{"id":"key-takeaways","title":"Key takeaways","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#key-takeaways"},{"id":"the-assessment-process","title":"The assessment process","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#the-assessment-process"},{"id":"diagnostic-criteria-and-evaluation","title":"Diagnostic criteria and evaluation","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#diagnostic-criteria-and-evaluation"},{"id":"testing-intellectual-and-adaptive-functioning","title":"Testing intellectual and adaptive functioning","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#testing-intellectual-and-adaptive-functioning"},{"id":"about-mentalhealth-com","title":"About MentalHealth.com","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#about-mentalhealth-com"},{"id":"medical-review-status","title":"Pending Medical Review","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#medical-review-status"}],"references":[],"relatedReading":[],"links":[{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","label":"Home"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library","label":"Library"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessments-diagnosis","label":"Assessments & Diagnosis"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","label":"causes of ID"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/publishing/editorial-policy","label":"Our medical review process"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roy-sugarman","label":"Dr. Roy Sugarman"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roy-sugarman","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/lifespan-development","label":"Explore community"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#the-assessment-process","label":"The assessment process"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#diagnostic-criteria-and-evaluation","label":"Diagnostic criteria and evaluation"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis#testing-intellectual-and-adaptive-functioning","label":"Testing intellectual and adaptive functioning"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roy-sugarman","label":"Dr. Roy Sugarman"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roy-sugarman","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/lifespan-development","label":"Explore community"}],"seo":{"title":"The Diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities | MentalHealth.com","description":"The Diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities. Explore this topic in the MentalHealth.com resource library.","canonical":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis","robots":"index,follow","socialImage":{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/social-tiles-20261006-dots/library.png","width":1200,"height":630,"alt":"MentalHealth.com — Library","type":"image/png","sitemapGroup":"library"}},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"name":"Library","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library"},{"name":"Assessments & Diagnosis","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessments-diagnosis"},{"name":"The Diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/assessment-diagnosis"}],"subjectMatterExpert":{"name":"Dr. Roy Sugarman","url":"/people/roy-sugarman","profileId":"10097","topic":"learning","focus":"Neuroscience and clinical mental health","selectionBasis":"Documented expertise in the existing published profile","reviewAttribution":false},"keyTakeaways":["Intellectual disability assessment considers limitations in both intellectual abilities and everyday adaptive skills.","Evaluation includes medical history and examination to investigate possible physical, genetic, or neurological causes.","Psychological testing, caregiver and teacher interviews, and observations across settings help establish support needs."],"navigation":[{"label":"The assessment process","href":"#the-assessment-process","heading":"The assessment process"},{"label":"Diagnostic criteria and evaluation","href":"#diagnostic-criteria-and-evaluation","heading":"Diagnostic criteria and evaluation"},{"label":"Testing intellectual and adaptive functioning","href":"#testing-intellectual-and-adaptive-functioning","heading":"Testing intellectual and adaptive functioning"}],"relatedCommunity":{"community":"/community/lifespan-development","basis":"topic match"},"reviewer":null,"introduction":null,"collections":[]}