Summary
Highlights
An intellectual disability is characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, originating before age 18. In 2010, an estimated 3% or 6.5 million non-institutionalized adults in the US had an intellectual disability.
Intellectual functioning, or intelligence, encompasses mental capacities like learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. It's often measured by IQ tests, with scores around 70-75 indicating a limitation.
Adaptive behavior includes conceptual, social, and practical skills learned and applied in daily life. Conceptual skills involve finances and self-direction; social skills cover responsibility and social problem-solving; practical skills include daily living activities, occupational skills, and safety.
People with intellectual disabilities live within communities as neighbors, co-workers, and friends. Policy changes have led to the majority living independently or with family, emphasizing their desire for a healthy and meaningful community life, similar to everyone else.