An educational classification, not a medical diagnosis. A medical or clinical diagnosis does not automatically qualify a child for an IEP, and a child can qualify under IDEA without one. Eligibility is an educational team decision based on evaluation data. These are educational classifications, not medical diagnoses.
What it means
Intellectual disability means significantly below-average general intellectual functioning that exists at the same time as deficits in adaptive behavior (everyday life and social skills), shows up during the developmental period, and adversely affects a child educational performance.
What it can include
- Below-average intellectual functioning
- Deficits in adaptive and life skills
- Onset during the developmental period
How it affects school
Instruction is often individualized with a focus on functional academics, communication, daily-living and adaptive skills, and as much access to grade-level content as appropriate.
How IEP eligibility works
To qualify for an IEP under this category, an evaluation team generally must find three things to be true:
- A qualifying disability. The child is evaluated and found to have one or more of the 13 disability categories defined under IDEA.
- An adverse effect on learning. The disability must adversely affect the child educational performance. A label by itself is not enough.
- A need for specially designed instruction. Because of the disability, the child needs special education and related services to access their education.
Common questions
Is this based only on an IQ score?
No. The team must look at both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, along with how the disability affects the child in school, not a single test score.
Can my child still learn grade-level material?
Many children do, with the right supports. The IEP should provide access to the general curriculum to the greatest extent appropriate alongside individualized goals.
Have a question about your own child? Ada can explain how this category and IDEA apply to your situation in plain language.
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