How is significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning determined?

Significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning is determined primarily through the use of a standardized, individually administered intelligence test. These tests are designed to provide a reliable and valid measurement of an individual's intellectual capabilities, allowing for an objective assessment of their cognitive functioning. They often include a series of tasks that assess various cognitive processes such as reasoning, problem-solving, and memory, enabling a thorough evaluation.

The use of standardized tests is crucial because they have been developed and normed across diverse populations, which means the results can be compared against established benchmarks. This process helps to identify individuals who fall significantly below the average range in intellectual functioning, thereby guiding appropriate interventions and support.

In contrast, visual assessments, anecdotal reports, and evaluations by peer-reviewed teams, while they may offer some insights, do not provide the rigorous and objective analysis necessary to determine levels of intellectual functioning in a standardized way. Such methods could lead to inconsistencies and lack of credibility in identifying intellectual disabilities systematically. Hence, the reliance on standardized intelligence testing is essential in accurately determining significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning.