An 8-year-old boy has an IQ of 42 on formal testing. He speaks in short phrases, needs supervision for dressing and hygiene, and can learn basic academic skills like simple counting with special education support. Which severity category of intellectual disability does he fall into?

• A Mild
• B Profound
• C Severe
• D Moderate ✓

Explanation

Traditional IQ banding places moderate intellectual disability at approximately 35 to 49, severe at 20 to 34, profound below 20, and mild at 50 to 70. An IQ of 42 falls in the moderate range. The functional picture also fits: individuals with moderate disability develop limited but useful speech, require supervision for daily activities, and can achieve basic academic skills with support.

Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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