Intellectual Disability is defined as which of the following?

• A. High IQ with no adaptive deficits
• B. Learning disability in math
• C. Significantly sub-average intellectual functioning that could exist alongside deficits in adaptive behavior
• D. Average intelligence with excellent adaptive skills

Answer: (C)

Intellectual disability is defined by a combination of two things: significantly below-average intellectual functioning and notable deficits in adaptive behavior that affect daily life, with onset during the developmental period. This captures both cognitive capacity and practical skills needed to function in everyday situations.

The best option states both elements—significantly sub-average intellectual functioning and deficits in adaptive behavior—so it aligns with the standard definition. The other descriptions miss this combination: high IQ with no adaptive deficits describes typical or enhanced functioning; a learning disability in math points to a specific learning disorder with average overall intelligence; and average intelligence with excellent adaptive skills does not meet the cognitive limitation criterion.