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. 2019 Nov 29;116(48):809–816. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2019.0809

eTable 1. Grades of severity of intellectual disability (ID): definition, features, and frequency among persons with ID.

Severity of ID IQ ICD-10 Cognitive reference age Features Prevalence rates among people with ID
Learning disturbance 70–85 F81.9 >12 years Learning disturbance that is not severe enough to be considered an intellectual disability
Mild 50–69 F70.x 9–12 years Slow learning performance, often delayed speech development, cultural techniques can be learned, independent living is possible, occupational traning is possible About 80%
Moderate 35–49 F71.x 6–9 years Delayed language development, often with a reduced vocabulary, often delayed motor development, indepenent living may be possible with support as needed, work in a protected workplace or on a simple task is posible, cultural techniques can be learned with certain limitations About 12%
Severe 20–34 F72.x 3–6 years Marked impairment of language comprehension, has no active language or can only produce individual words, needs comprehensive support in the activities of daily life About 7%
Very severe <20 F73.x 0–3 years Verbal communication impossible or nearly so, needs comprehensive support in self-care and in the activities of daily life, often incontinent, somatic comorbidities (e.g., epilepsy) are common About 1%

IQ, intelligence quotient