Which of the following is a criterion for diagnosing intellectual disabilities?

• A. Significantly below average intellectual functioning, typically indicated by an IQ score of less than $70$
• B. Episodes of mania and elevated mood
• C. Persistent obsessions and compulsions
• D. Presence of hallucinations and delusions

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that diagnosing intellectual disabilities involves specific criteria related to cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior.
2. Recognize that one key criterion is significantly below average intellectual functioning, which is often operationalized as an IQ score below a certain threshold.
3. Recall that the commonly accepted IQ cutoff for intellectual disability is an IQ score less than 70, indicating substantial limitations in intellectual functioning.
4. Note that other options such as episodes of mania, persistent obsessions and compulsions, or hallucinations and delusions are symptoms related to other psychological disorders, not intellectual disabilities.
5. Conclude that the correct diagnostic criterion for intellectual disabilities among the options provided is the significantly below average intellectual functioning, typically indicated by an IQ score of less than 70.