What Is the Difference Between Moderate and Severe Disability?

Intellectual disability is categorized based on the severity, which you can learn the differences below.

Intellectual disability is categorized based on the severity—mild, moderate, severe, and profound.

• Although individuals with moderate intellectual disability (IQ: 36 to 49) have delays in their developmental milestones (a set of skills that a child is expected to attain at a particular age), they attain certain basic adaptive skills including communication and self-care abilities. They may even travel to familiar places within their community. They typically perform poorly at school and have difficulty concentrating.
• A person with severe intellectual disability (IQ: 24 to 36), however, requires supervision or support in social situations. They may be able to understand what others wish to communicate but have a hard time expressing themselves to others. They can, however, be taught routines and basic self-care skills and need supervised care such as in a group home.
• Profound intellectual disability (IQ below 25) is the most severe form of intellectual disability. The affected person needs to be supervised all the time. They fail to learn even the most basic self-care and communication skills. They may have very basic nonverbal communication skills. Intellectual disability may make them practically immobile, and they are quite likely to develop chronic medical conditions.
• Many individuals with intellectual disabilities are only mildly affected (IQ: 50 to 75). Such individuals with mild intellectual disability can function independently in society. They can learn how to look after themselves and survive and function in society and may have no obvious signs of intellectual disability. Additionally, they can make social connections and learn reading and math skills up to grade levels three to six.