To be identified with an intellectual disability, what additional element is required alongside below-average cognitive functioning?

To be identified with an intellectual disability, it is essential to demonstrate not just below-average cognitive functioning but also deficits in adaptive behaviors. Adaptive behaviors are crucial because they encompass the practical skills needed for daily living, which includes communication, social skills, and self-sufficiency. This dual requirement ensures that individuals are evaluated comprehensively; the cognitive aspect addresses intellectual capacity while adaptive behaviors confirm that the individual experiences challenges in the skills necessary for everyday functioning.

In this context, solely having below-average cognitive functioning may not provide a complete picture for identification purposes, as it does not consider how that functioning affects the person in real-world situations. By integrating both low cognitive functioning and deficits in adaptive behaviors, the identification process adheres to established ethical standards and supports the delivery of appropriate services and interventions tailored to the individual's needs.