DSM-IV-TR Criteria for Mental Retardation

Significantly subaverage intellectual functioning:
• for children and adults, IQ of approximately 70 or below
• for infants, clinical judgment of significantly subaverage intellectual
functioning
Concurrent deficits or impairments in adaptive functioning (effectiveness
in meeting standards expected for age and cultural group) in at least two of
the following areas:
• communication
• self-care
• home living
• social/interpersonal skills
• use of community resources
• self-direction
• functional academic skills
• work
• leisure
• health
• safety
Onset before age eighteen
DSM code based on degree of severity reflecting level of intellectual impairment:
• Mild Mental Retardation (DSM code 317): IQ level of 50-55 to approx.
70
• Moderate Mental Retardation (DSM code 318.0): IQ level of 35-40 to
50-55
• Severe Mental Retardation (DSM code 318.1):
IQ level of 20-25 to 35-40
• Profound Mental Retardation (DSM code 318.2): IQ level below 20
or 25
• Mental Retardation, Severity Unspecified (DSM code 319): IQ level
Untestable