Cognitive impairment is a disability characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior.  This disability is present before the age of 18. 

The effects of a cognitive impairment vary from person to person.  About 87 percent will be mildly affected and will be only a little slower than average in learning skills.  Their cognitive impairment may not be easily identified until they reach school.  As adults, many will lead independent lives.  The remaining 13 percent of people with cognitive impairments (IQs under 50), will have serious limitations functioning in life. 

Cognitive impairments can be caused by any condition which impairs development of the brain before birth, during birth or in the childhood years.  Causes of cognitive impairments include:  genetic conditions such as Down’s Syndrome, problems during pregnancy, problems at birth, problems after birth such as lead poisoning, and poverty and cultural deprivation. 

A cognitive impairment is determined by assessing an individual’s intellectual skills and adaptive behavior.  “Intelligence” refers to a general mental capacity.  It involves the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly and learn from experience.  Intelligence is represented by an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) score which is obtained on a standardized test.  A cognitive impairment is thought to be present if an individual has an IQ test score of 70 or below.  In addition to the IQ score, an individual’s adaptive behavior must also be significantly affected.  Adaptive behavior refers to a collection of conceptual, social, and practical skills that people must learn so that they can function in their everyday lives.  Examples of adaptive behavioral skills include understanding and use of language, ability to understand money concepts, reading and writing, follow rules, and activities that involve personal care such as brushing teeth, toileting, preparing meals, use of transportation, etc.