This session focuses on improving diagnostic precision in the identification of intellectual disability, emphasizing the serious lifelong implications of inaccurate

decisions. Participants will examine best practices in adaptive behavior assessment,

including selection, administration, and interpretation, and learn to distinguish

intellectual disability from pervasive academic or cognitive weaknesses. The session

also addresses how to communicate results to families with clarity and sensitivity,

ensuring findings are conveyed in a way that is accurate, respectful, and supportive of

informed decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

1. Differentiate intellectual disability from pervasive weaknesses using integrated

data and clearly defined criteria.

2. Apply best practices for selecting, administering, and interpreting adaptive

behavior measures.

3. Communicate evaluation results to families with clarity, sensitivity, and

professionalism.