Understanding IQ Thresholds for Intellectual Disability

The question asks for the IQ score below which a child is considered "mentally retarded". It's important to note that the term "mentally retarded" is outdated and has been replaced by the term Intellectual Disability (ID) in clinical and educational settings. Intellectual Disability is characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning (like reasoning, learning, and problem-solving) and adaptive behavior (conceptual, social, and practical skills) that affect everyday life.

Standard Diagnostic Criteria for Intellectual Disability

According to diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition), Intellectual Disability is typically diagnosed when a person has:

• An IQ score significantly below average, generally considered to be 70 or below. This score typically represents 2 standard deviations below the mean IQ score of 100.
• Deficits in adaptive functioning that result in failure to meet developmental and sociocultural standards for personal independence and social responsibility.
• Onset of intellectual and adaptive deficits during the developmental period (before age 18).

Analysis of Provided Options and Answer

The options provided are IQ scores: 88, 85, 86, and 84. The question indicates that an IQ score less than 85 would classify a child as mentally retarded according to the context of this question.

While the standard diagnostic threshold for Intellectual Disability is an IQ score of 70 or below, the options presented in this question suggest a different classification might be in use or implied. Based on the choices given:

• Option 1: 88
• Option 2: 85
• Option 3: 86
• Option 4: 84

The correct answer provided is 85. Therefore, in the context of this specific question, an IQ score less than 85 is considered the threshold.

It is crucial to rely on current diagnostic standards (like IQ < 70) for accurate assessment. However, answering based on the provided options, the cutoff indicated is 85.