Moderate Intellectual Disability (F71)
DSM-5-TR: Intellectual Developmental Disorder (Moderate)
ICD-10-AM and DSM-5-TR may classify conditions differently. Refer to APA and WHO for complete diagnostic criteria.
Key Facts
ICD-10 Range
F70-F79
Australian Prevalence
Moderate intellectual disability accounts for approximately 10% of all intellectual disability cases.
Global Prevalence
Prevalence approximately 0.3-0.4% of the population.
Duration Requirement
Present from developmental period
Overview
Moderate intellectual disability involves an approximate IQ range of 35–49, corresponding to a mental age of 6 to under 9 years. Language development is slow and limited. Self-care and motor skills require supervision. Some individuals acquire basic educational skills. Most can participate in simple practical work under sheltered conditions.
Diagnostic Criteria (ICD-10)
Core Features
- IQ range approximately 35–49
- Slow development of comprehension and use of language
- Limited achievement in self-care and motor skills
- Some can acquire basic educational skills with supervision
Duration
Present from developmental period
Exclusion Criteria
- Acquired cognitive decline (use dementia codes)
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Moderate mental subnormality
Australian Clinical Context
Individuals with moderate intellectual disability in Australia typically require ongoing support from disability services. NDIS provides funding for support workers, therapy services, and day programs. Many live in supported accommodation.
Medicare (MBS) Pathways
Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders
A Medicare pathway for assessment and treatment of complex neurodevelopmental disorders and eligible disabilities in individuals under 25. Covers multi-disciplinary assessment and ongoing treatment.
| Provider Type | MBS Items | Session Type |
|---|---|---|
| Psychologist | 82000–82035 | Assessment and treatment |
| Speech Pathologist | 82000–82035 | Assessment and treatment |
| Occupational Therapist | 82000–82035 | Assessment and treatment |
| Audiologist | 82000–82035 | Assessment |
| Physiotherapist | 82000–82035 | Assessment and treatment |
Psychologist
Speech Pathologist
Occupational Therapist
Audiologist
Physiotherapist
GP referral items: Item 135 (paediatrician/psychiatrist referral)
Eligibility: Under 25 years with impairment across 2 or more neurodevelopmental domains requiring complex multi-domain support. Referral by paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Exclusions:
- ADHD alone (use standard Better Access pathway)
- Over 25 years of age
Excluded from Better Access. Under-25s may access the CND pathway. Over-25s: NDIS-funded services or specialist referral.
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Reference information sourced from MBS Online (mbsonline.gov.au). Item availability, rebates, and eligibility criteria may change. This is not billing advice — always verify current items before claiming. Last verified: April 2026.
Clinical Documentation Notes
Document IQ assessment, adaptive functioning across all domains, communication abilities, and level of supervision required. Co-occurring conditions (epilepsy, autism, behavioural disturbance) are common.
Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Moderate Intellectual Disability (F71).
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022.
Clinical Scoring Calculator — Not a Diagnostic Tool
This tool calculates scores based on published guidelines for professional reference. It does not provide clinical diagnoses. Scores are provided as reference information only and should be interpreted by a qualified practitioner in the context of a comprehensive assessment.
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