Correct option is D
Explanation:
The correct answer is "Below 20."
Profound mental retardation (now referred to as Profound Intellectual Disability) is the most severe category of cognitive disability. Individuals in this category have IQ scores below 20 and exhibit significant limitations in cognitive functioning and adaptive behaviors.
Characteristics of Profound Intellectual Disability:
Severe cognitive impairment with little or no speech.
Highly dependent on caregivers for daily activities (eating, dressing, hygiene).
Limited motor function, often requiring assistive devices.
Minimal capacity to process information, communicate, or function independently.
Often associated with additional physical or neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, epilepsy).
These individuals require lifelong, intensive support and specialized interventions, often through therapeutic, medical, and educational programs tailored to their needs.
Information Booster:
Intellectual disability (formerly mental retardation) is classified into four levels based on IQ scores:
Category IQ Range Functional Description:
Mild Intellectual Disability 50-70
- Can achieve some academic skills, semi-independent living possible.
Moderate Intellectual Disability 35-49
- Limited academic abilities, can perform self-care tasks with supervision.
Severe Intellectual Disability 20-34
- Very limited communication, requires extensive support.
Profound Intellectual Disability Below 20
- Total dependency, requires constant care.
Causes of Profound Intellectual Disability
- Genetic disorders (e.g., Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome).
- Birth complications (e.g., oxygen deprivation, premature birth).
- Brain infections or injuries (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis).
- Metabolic disorders (e.g., Phenylketonuria - PKU).
- Severe malnutrition or exposure to toxins (e.g., lead poisoning).
Support & Interventions
- Special education programs with individualized learning plans (IEPs).
- Physical and occupational therapy to enhance motor skills.
- Speech therapy for communication improvement.
- Medical management for associated conditions (e.g., epilepsy).
- 24/7 caregiving support for daily activities.