Hello Doctor,
I want to know —
1. What mental or intellectual conditions are recognised under PWD (Persons with Disability) category?
2. How much low IQ is considered as PWD?
3. Which conditions or diseases are included under mental disability for PWD certificate?
Please explain clearly.
Thank you. 🙏
Answers (9)
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Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, mental and intellectual disabilities are officially recognized categories. These include conditions that significantly affect cognitive, emotional, or social functioning and require long-term support or therapy.
Diagnosis and Categories
The main mental and intellectual conditions recognized under PWD are:
1. Intellectual Disability – includes mental retardation, characterized by below-average intellectual functioning (IQ below 70) and difficulties in adaptive behavior.
2. Specific Learning Disabilities – dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia.
3. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – affecting communication and social interaction.
4. Mental Illness – including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and chronic depression that cause long-term impairment.
An IQ below 70 generally qualifies as an intellectual disability. However, eligibility for a PWD certificate depends on the degree of impairment (≥40%), assessed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist in a government hospital.
In summary, PWD recognition for mental conditions is based on chronic, measurable impairment in cognitive or mental functioning, certified by a medical board.
The disability categories in India are primarily governed by The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act, 2016), which recognizes 21 specific disabilities.
1. Mental or Intellectual Conditions Recognized under PWD Category
The RPwD Act, 2016 recognizes the following conditions related to mental or intellectual function:
Intellectual Disability: A condition characterized by significant limitation both in intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem-solving) and in adaptive behaviour (which covers a range of everyday social and practical skills). This was previously known as 'Mental Retardation.'
Mental Illness: Defined as a substantial disorder of thinking, mood, perception, orientation, or memory that grossly impairs judgement, behaviour, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A neurodevelopmental condition typically appearing in early childhood, characterized by significant impairments in social interaction and communication, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities.
Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD): A heterogeneous group of conditions wherein there is a deficit in processing language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself as a difficulty to comprehend, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations.
2. Low IQ Considered as PWD
Intellectual Disability is the category where IQ is a primary factor.
Definition: Intellectual Disability is defined by an IQ score that is approximately 70 or below (typically considered about two standard deviations below the mean).
Percentage of Impairment: For the purpose of issuing a PWD certificate, the IQ range is generally correlated to a percentage of intellectual impairment. A common guideline used in India is:
Borderline (IQ 70-79): Often assessed as 25% Intellectual Impairment.
Mild (IQ 50-69): Often assessed as 50% Intellectual Impairment.
Moderate (IQ 35-49): Often assessed as 75% Intellectual Impairment.
Severe (IQ 20-34): Often assessed as 90% Intellectual Impairment.
Profound (IQ below 20): Often assessed as 100% Intellectual Impairment.
Benchmark Disability: To be eligible for benefits under the RPwD Act, a person must generally have a disability of not less than 40%. Therefore, a diagnosis of Mild Intellectual Disability (IQ 50-69) or higher severity is typically required to obtain a Benchmark Disability certificate, as the associated impairment percentage is 50\% or more.
3. Conditions/Diseases Included under Mental Disability
The RPwD Act, 2016 does not list a few specific diseases under "Mental Illness" but defines it broadly as a substantial disorder of thinking, mood, perception, orientation or memory that grossly impairs functionality.
This broad definition means that many severe and persistent psychiatric disorders can qualify for a disability certificate if they result in the specified degree of functional impairment. Examples of conditions that can be certified under this category include:
Schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Psychosis)
Severe and Chronic Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with severe functional impairment
Psychotic Disorders (other than Schizophrenia)
The assessment for Mental Illness focuses on the degree of functional limitation in areas such as self-care, interpersonal relationships, communication, and work, rather than just the diagnosis itself. A disability certificate requires a minimum of 40\% functional impairment as certified by a competent medical board, which often includes a Psychiatrist and/or Clinical Psychologist.
Mental and intellectual disabilities recognized under Persons with Disability (PWD) in India include a range of conditions as outlined by the RPwD Act, 2016.
Here is a clear breakdown addressing your queries:
1. Recognized Conditions under PWD CategoryThe RPwD Act, 2016 lists 21 disabilities, including mental and intellectual conditions such as:
- Mental illness (“a substantial disorder of thinking, mood, perception, orientation or memory that grossly impairs judgment, behaviour, capacity to recognize reality or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life, but does not include intellectual disability/mental retardation”).
- Intellectual Disability (includes intellectual developmental disorders, specific learning disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder).
- Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Specific Learning Disabilities.
2. IQ Criteria for PWD CertificationFor intellectual disability:
- Typically, an IQ score below 70 is considered as intellectual disability for certification; however, official disability certification requires the disability to be assessed as 40% or greater as per medical board guidelines.
- Children above 5 years can be diagnosed and certified for Intellectual Disability using standardized IQ tests by qualified clinical psychologists.
3. Mental Disabilities Included for Certification
The mental and intellectual disorders included for disability certification under PWD are:
- Mental Illness: Severe psychiatric disorders affecting daily living (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
- Intellectual Disability: Developmental delay, intellectual impairment with IQ below 70.Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Specific Learning Disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc.).
To be eligible for a PWD certificate, the disability, whether mental or intellectual, must generally be assessed as at least 40% disabling by a designated medical authority.
Hi
Under the PWD (Persons with Disability) category, certain mental and intellectual conditions are recognized based on guidelines set by government authorities like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. These include conditions such as intellectual disability (formerly called mental retardation), autism spectrum disorder, specific learning disabilities, and mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, if they cause significant impairment. Regarding IQ, a score below 70 is generally considered indicative of intellectual disability, but a formal diagnosis also depends on adaptive functioning and clinical assessment. Conditions included under mental disability for the PWD certificate typically involve intellectual disabilities, autism, and certain mental illnesses that impair daily functioning. Itâs essential to consult a qualified medical or mental health professional for a proper assessment and certification. This certification helps access various benefits and support services.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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