What level of Intellectual Disability has an IQ score below 20?

• A. Profound Intellectual Disability
• B. Mild Intellectual Disability
• C. Moderate Intellectual Disability
• D. Severe Intellectual Disability

Answer: (A)

IQ thresholds classify how severe an intellectual disability is. An IQ score below 20 falls into the most severe category, often labeled profound. In this range, individuals typically require extensive, ongoing support for almost all daily activities, may have limited or no independent communication, and need constant supervision. The other levels are associated with higher IQ ranges—severe around 20–34, moderate around 35–49, and mild around 50–69—so they do not describe a score below 20. Therefore, a score below 20 corresponds to profound Intellectual Disability.