Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Mild intellectual disabilities are characterized by significant delays in cognitive functioning, but these delays are not universal across all areas as individuals may have strengths in specific domains. In this context, the definition of significant delays implies that individuals with mild intellectual disabilities typically have an IQ range of approximately 50–70, which means they display limitations in everyday functioning and often require support in various aspects of their lives.

While there may be acknowledged difficulties in areas such as reasoning, problem-solving, and planning, individuals with mild intellectual disabilities may also demonstrate the ability to learn adaptive skills and even function independently in familiar situations. However, their overall cognitive profile includes marked challenges, distinguishing them from individuals who might solely have social skills impairments or those who can learn complex academic skills on their own.

This understanding underscores the importance of targeted educational strategies to aid in skill acquisition tailored to individual strengths and weaknesses. Thus, the appropriate characterization of mild intellectual disabilities is indeed marked by significant delays across cognitive areas.