Disorder of intellectual development, profound
Transtorno profundo do desenvolvimento intelectual
CategoryDefinition
A profound disorder of intellectual development is a condition originating during the developmental period characterised by significantly below average intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour that are approximately four or more standard deviations below the mean (approximately less than the 0.003rd percentile), based on individually administered appropriately normed, standardized tests or by comparable behavioural indicators when standardized testing is unavailable. Affected persons possess very limited communication abilities and capacity for acquisition of academic skills is restricted to basic concrete skills. They may also have co-occurring motor and sensory impairments and typically require daily support in a supervised environment for adequate care. Severe and profound disorders of intellectual development are differentiated exclusively on the basis of adaptive behaviour differences because existing standardized tests of intelligence cannot reliably or validly distinguish among individuals with intellectual functioning below the 0.003rd percentile.
Diagnostic Criteria
- In Profound Disorder of Intellectual Development, intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour are found to be approximately 4 or more standard deviations below the mean (approximately less than the 0.003rd percentile), based on individually administered appropriately normed, standardized tests. Where standardized tests are not available, assessment of intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour requires greater reliance on clinical judgment, which may include the use of behavioural indicators provided in Tables 6.1 through 6.4. Persons affected by Profound Disorder of Intellectual Development possess very limited communication abilities and capacity for acquisition of academic skills is restricted to basic concrete skills. They may also have co-occurring motor and sensory impairments and typically require daily support in a supervised environment for adequate care. Severe and Profound Disorders of Intellectual Development are differentiated exclusively on the basis of adaptive behaviour differences because existing standardized tests of intelligence cannot reliably or validly distinguish among individuals with intellectual functioning below the 0.003rd percentile.