What condition is characterized by an intelligence score below 70?

The condition characterized by an intelligence score below 70 is classified as Mental Retardation, now more commonly referred to as Intellectual Disability. This diagnosis indicates that an individual has significantly impaired cognitive functioning and adaptive behaviors, which can impact everyday life activities.

The threshold of an intelligence score below 70 is a key criterion for this diagnosis, aligning with other features such as limitations in intellectual functioning and difficulties in adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. By identifying this condition, individuals can receive the appropriate support and resources needed to address their specific challenges and improve their quality of life.

In contrast, a Learning Disability primarily affects specific areas of learning, such as reading or math, without necessarily impacting overall intelligence. Autism Spectrum Disorder encompasses a broader range of symptoms related to social interaction and communication, and while individuals with these disorders can have varying levels of intellectual functioning, it is not solely defined by an IQ score. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention or hyperactivity but does not pertain directly to intelligence scores.