What is a key characteristic of students classified with intellectual disabilities?

Students classified with intellectual disabilities often exhibit significant deficits in standardized testing, which is a key characteristic of this classification. Intellectual disabilities involve challenges in cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior, which can manifest as lower performance on assessments designed to measure intellectual ability and academic achievement. This characteristic helps educators and professionals identify the needs and abilities of these students, allowing for the development of tailored instructional strategies and support systems.

While aspects such as memory skills, creativity, and social interactions can vary widely among individuals with different types of disabilities, significant deficits in standardized testing specifically highlight the cognitive and functional limitations that are central to the definition of intellectual disabilities. Recognizing this characteristic is vital for effective assessment and intervention planning.