Profound Intellectual Disability

Profound intellectual disability is characterized by the inability to live independently, being in need of close supervision, limited communication, and physical restrictions. This is the most severe category of intellectual disability. Specifically, the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) specifies the conceptual domain as mainly involving concrete rather than symbolic processes. Socially, those with this condition often communicate nonverbally and may only understand simple instructions. Regarding their practical domain, they are generally dependent on others for routine physical and health care.