Which of the following is a disability category covered under IDEA?

• A. Temporary Injury
• B. Intellectual Disability
• C. Social Disorder
• D. Behavioral Challenges

Answer: (B)

The correct choice, intellectual disability, is explicitly recognized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as a specific category of disability. This categorization provides eligibility for special education services to students who demonstrate significant limitations in intellectual functioning, as well as difficulties in adaptive behavior, which can affect their educational performance.

Understanding intellectual disabilities as a category under IDEA is crucial because it identifies a set of support services and educational interventions tailored to the unique needs of these students. It ensures that they are provided with the necessary resources to thrive in an educational setting.

In contrast, temporary injury, social disorder, and behavioral challenges are not categorized as disabilities under IDEA. Temporary injuries do not typically result in long-term educational impact and thus fall outside the scope of special education services. Social disorders, while they may affect a child's ability to function in social situations, are not clearly defined under IDEA as a disability category. Similarly, behavioral challenges may arise from a variety of causes and would need a more specific diagnosis to qualify under IDEA, often being addressed through behavioral intervention plans rather than as a distinct category.

By understanding this framework, educators are better equipped to recognize and support the specific needs of students with intellectual disabilities, ensuring access to a free and appropriate public education, which