Characteristics of a Person With a 45 IQ

What are some of the characteristics of someone with an IQ of 45? Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is the measure of a person’s intelligence. How do you define intelligence quotient? IQ is measured on a numeric scale where 100 is considered average, 140 is genius and scores below 70 represent mental deficiencies. IQ scores are scaled based on age to take differences in children and adult development into consideration. A person with a 45 IQ exhibits several telltale characteristics.

Signs of Low Intelligence in Adults

Learning disabilities are always present in people with IQ levels around 45. These individuals learn at a significantly slower pace than their average intelligence peers. They may have greater difficulties with specific subjects. Characteristics of delays visible in adults may be indicated by having the reading skills of a second or third-grader at the highest. Slower-than-average learning, paired with at least two other impairments in areas such as social or self-care skills, are defining characteristics for people with an IQ of 45.

Daily Living Skills

Individuals with mental handicaps can carry out tasks required for daily living like brushing their teeth and getting dressed. Some people in this IQ range require moderate supervision to perform these tasks while others can handle them independently. However, at the 45 IQ range, there are daily asks that are too difficult cannot be carried out without help or supervision. Moderately mentally handicapped individuals function best with strict routines because they are unable to change their behavior to respond to the unexpected.

Moderately mentally handicapped children and adults with a low IQ score can function in social settings and participate in simple structured activities. It is often best if these activities are performed in a familiar and closed setting as too much stimulus can cause over-excitement. Individuals with mental handicaps are often institutionalized so they can benefit from daily structure, stability and individual attention.

Ability to Work

Adults with an IQ of 50 or lower can still perform vocational work provided the tasks are fairly simple and straightforward. Structured repetition helps keep workers on track and focused on their tasks. It can be easier for people with mental handicaps to start working in tasks that require less instruction or responsibility. Household chores or custodial work are two types of work that could be performed but there are many employment options available with supervision.

Characteristics of Delayed Development

Mentally handicapped individuals usually exhibit delayed development beginning at birth. Obvious developmental delays begin during infancy and into the preschool years. Individuals with mental handicaps may have reduced motor skills or speech delays. Older children and adults with an IQ of 45 may not ever progress beyond the mental capacity of an 8-year-old. Other signs of low intelligence in adults may be indicated as they are capable of caring for themselves with some supervision but need help with things like finances and other important decision-making functions.