Mild, moderate, severe, or profound deficits define which type of disorder?

Intellectual disabilities are characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which encompasses a range of everyday social and practical skills. These limitations are typically classified into categories based on the severity of the deficits: mild, moderate, severe, or profound.

The classification reflects the degree of support needed for individuals to function in daily life, with mild intellectual disabilities generally requiring minimal support, while profound intellectual disabilities necessitate extensive support. These distinctions are crucial for determining appropriate interventions, educational placements, and services to improve quality of life and independence.

In contrast, motor disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and specific learning disorder do not use this classification system based on the severity of deficits in the same way intellectual disabilities do. They focus more on specific areas, such as coordination, social communication, and academic skills, rather than overarching categories of cognitive and adaptive functioning.