Which of the following statements regarding patients with intellectual disabilities is correct?

• A. Patients with intellectual disabilities always have an IQ above $85$.
• B. Intellectual disabilities are characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.
• C. Intellectual disabilities can be diagnosed solely based on academic performance.
• D. Most individuals with intellectual disabilities do not require any support in daily living.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of intellectual disabilities. Intellectual disabilities are characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning (such as reasoning, learning, and problem-solving) and adaptive behavior (which includes social and practical skills needed for daily life).
2. Step 2: Review the IQ criteria related to intellectual disabilities. Typically, an IQ score below 70-75 is considered indicative of intellectual disabilities, not above 85. Therefore, statements claiming IQ above 85 are incorrect.
3. Step 3: Consider the diagnostic criteria. Intellectual disabilities cannot be diagnosed solely based on academic performance because they involve broader cognitive and adaptive functioning deficits.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the support needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Most individuals with intellectual disabilities require some level of support in daily living activities, so statements suggesting no support is needed are inaccurate.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement is the one that accurately describes intellectual disabilities as involving significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.