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Mental Retardation Test: Check Your Knowledge

Quick, free intellectual disability quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: John BeachUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art head silhouette with puzzle pieces and question mark coral background promoting free mental retardation quiz

This mental retardation test helps you check what you know about intellectual disability with short, plain-language questions. You'll spot common myths, learn key facts, and see where you may want a refresher, with results right away. For related topics, try our learning disability quiz for adults and mental age test.

Which term is the preferred, current clinical term for what was historically called mental retardation?
Global learning illness
Cognitive delay disorder
Intellectual disability
Mental deficiency syndrome
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Intellectual disability is primarily defined by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and in which additional area?
Visual memory only
Adaptive behavior
Hearing acuity
Physical strength
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In DSM-5, the onset of intellectual disability must occur during which period?
Only during infancy (0-12 months)
The developmental period
Adulthood after age 25
Only during adolescence (13-17 years)
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Which set lists the three broad domains of adaptive behavior?
Motor, sensory, and reflexive
Executive, affective, and mnemonic
Perceptual, linguistic, and creative
Conceptual, social, and practical
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Which is a common prenatal cause associated with intellectual disability?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Tennis elbow
Adult-onset diabetes
Seasonal allergies
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Which genetic condition frequently involves intellectual disability?
Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
Appendicitis
Color blindness
Cystitis
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Which statement best distinguishes intellectual disability from mental illness?
Intellectual disability is a severe form of depression
Mental illness always causes low IQ
Mental illness and intellectual disability are the same diagnosis
Intellectual disability involves lifelong cognitive and adaptive limitations; mental illnesses are disorders of mood, thought, or behavior that can occur at any IQ level
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Which educational plan is used in U.S. public schools to provide specialized instruction and services to eligible students with intellectual disability?
Standard Academic Contract (SAC)
Universal Testing Plan (UTP)
General Enrollment Voucher (GEV)
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
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Which communication support can help some individuals with intellectual disability express needs and choices?
Motion sickness bands
Sleep restriction
Noise exposure therapy
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
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Typical IQ test scoring has a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. Which IQ range best aligns with the threshold for intellectual disability when accompanied by adaptive deficits?
Approximately 60-90
Approximately 70 or below
Approximately 85 or below
Approximately 50-110
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Intellectual disability severity levels in DSM-5 are based primarily on which feature?
Physical health status
School grades
Raw IQ score only
Adaptive functioning
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Which organization defines intellectual disability as significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior originating before age 22?
American College of Physicians
National Institutes of Allergy
AAIDD (American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities)
APA Style Association
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Which intervention is most closely linked to improved outcomes when started early for children with intellectual disability?
Exclusively high-dose vitamins
Early intervention services (e.g., speech, occupational, physical therapy)
Late adolescence counseling only
Unstructured home schooling without support
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Which law in the United States guarantees a free appropriate public education for eligible children with disabilities, including intellectual disability?
FERPA
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
HIPAA
FD&C Act
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What is the approximate global prevalence of intellectual disability in the general population?
Less than 0.01%
About 1%
About 10%
About 20%
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Which support approach emphasizes the least restrictive environment and community inclusion for people with intellectual disability?
Normalization and community-based supports
Permanent institutionalization
Work-only programs without social contact
Isolation for safety
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Which is a perinatal or postnatal factor that can lead to intellectual disability?
Sprained ankle in adolescence
Mild seasonal flu in adulthood
Routine infant hiccups
Severe neonatal hypoxic-ischemic injury
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Which assessment component is essential for diagnosing intellectual disability besides cognitive testing?
Athletic performance tests
Standardized adaptive behavior measures involving multiple informants
Social media activity review
Single teacher's opinion only
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Which international framework focuses on functioning and participation rather than just diagnosis?
WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
WHO's International Classification of Diseases, 6th edition only
UN Customs Code
Kyoto Protocol
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Which assessment practice helps ensure fairness when evaluating someone from a different cultural-linguistic background for intellectual disability?
Ignoring language proficiency
Using interpreters and culturally appropriate, validated tools
Translating tests on the spot without validation
Assuming low scores reflect disability without context
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Key Concepts -

    Grasp the definition and clinical criteria of intellectual disability as presented in the mental retardation test, ensuring a foundational understanding of terminology.

  2. Identify Common Myths -

    Recognize and correct prevalent misconceptions about mental retardation by comparing beliefs against facts highlighted in the mental retardation quiz.

  3. Analyze Quiz Results -

    Interpret your responses from the mental retardation test for adults to evaluate your current knowledge and pinpoint areas for improvement.

  4. Apply Awareness Strategies -

    Use insights from the intellectual disability quiz to inform respectful communication and advocacy efforts in educational or community settings.

  5. Evaluate Learning Progress -

    Measure your understanding of intellectual disability concepts over time and set goals for further study or engagement with related resources.

Cheat Sheet

  1. DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria -

    The DSM-5 defines intellectual disability (formerly "mental retardation") by two criteria: an IQ score approximately two standard deviations below the mean (IQ ≤70) and significant limitations in adaptive functioning across conceptual, social, and practical domains. For example, someone scoring 65 on a mental retardation test and struggling with daily living skills meets the threshold. Mnemonic trick: "2-2" for 2 SD below and 2 domains of impairment.

  2. IQ Testing & Scoring -

    The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) is the gold standard in a mental retardation test for adults, centered on a mean of 100 and SD of 15. Use the formula z = (IQ - 100)/15 to understand where a score falls relative to peers; scores ≤70 often indicate intellectual disability. Simple rhyme: "Seventy's the line; scores below define."

  3. Adaptive Behavior Domains -

    The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) highlights three core adaptive domains: conceptual, social, and practical skills, all assessed in an intellectual disability quiz. A common tool is the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, which measures daily living, communication, and socialization. Remember "CSP" - Communication, Social, Practical - to cover every domain.

  4. Prevalence & Epidemiology -

    Global studies (WHO, CDC) estimate intellectual disability affects about 1% of the population, with slightly higher rates in males (1.6:1). When taking a mental retardation quiz, recall "1 in 100" to quickly gauge prevalence. This figure helps contextualize public health needs and resource allocation.

  5. Early Intervention & Support -

    Early screening via a mental retardation quiz can expedite individualized education plans (IEPs) and therapeutic programs as recommended by NIH guidelines. Key interventions include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and family training, summarized by the acronym "TAR" - Therapy, Accommodations, Resources. Prompt action often improves long-term outcomes and independence.

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