What defines a cognitive disability?

• A. Normal intellectual functioning with specific learning challenges
• B. Significantly below average general intellectual functioning
• C. Intellectual functioning within a standard range with emotional disturbance
• D. Advanced intellectual functioning but with social difficulties

Answer: (B)

A cognitive disability is primarily characterized by significantly below average general intellectual functioning. This condition typically affects a person’s ability to think, learn, and reason, resulting in challenges that extend to various areas of daily life, including education, communication, and self-care. The impairment in cognitive abilities is usually reflected by an IQ score that falls below a defined threshold, which is often set at around 70 or below.

The other options present scenarios that do not align with the standard definitions of cognitive disabilities. For instance, having normal intellectual functioning with specific learning challenges does not indicate a cognitive disability, as it suggests the presence of average cognitive ability despite difficulties in learning specific skills. Similarly, emotional disturbances or social difficulties accompanying intellectual functioning within a standard range, or advanced intellectual functioning, do not meet the criteria for cognitive disabilities, as they pertain to other domains of functioning rather than being rooted in overall intellectual impairment. These factors all indicate different challenges that do not fit the definition of cognitive disability as outlined in established criteria.