Table AII.

Main characteristics of moderate IDD

As children they show impairments in multiple areas that include cognitive, motor, language and social domains

Persons with moderate IDD are typically slower in learning to speak, walk, in developing comprehension and learning simple tasks to look after themselves. However, they are able to become independent in basic self-care activities with adequate training by adolescence

School achievement is limited to the basic skills needed for reading, writing, and counting

The level of developed language in adulthood is variable: most of those affected can take part in simple conversations in domestic and social situations while some may develop better language skills in expressing more complex ideas such as giving directions to others

Discrepant profiles of abilities are common in this group, with some individuals achieving higher levels in visuo-spatial skills than in language-dependent skills

Usually, people with moderate IDD are fully mobile and physically active and the majority show evidence of social development in their ability to establish contact, to communicate with others, and, to engage in simple social activities

As adults, many can work productively if given extensive on-the-job support. They will rarely be able to live independently without considerable and regular support from others

In general the behavioural, emotional, and social difficulties of persons with moderate IDD are different to those shown by the general population, particularly for individuals with limited expressive language skills Persons with moderate IDD show more associated medical problems than people with mild IDD, particularly epilepsy and mental ill-health, including problem behaviours

Co-occurring psychiatric disorders should be assessed using complementary diagnostic guidelines adapted for IDD

The IQ is usually in the range 35–49. It should be taken into account that several of the common IQ tests