intellectual disability

Subnormal intellectual functioning which originates during the developmental period. This has multiple potential etiologies, including genetic defects and perinatal insults. Intelligence quotient (IQ) scores are commonly used to determine whether an individual has an intellectual disability. IQ scores between 70 and 79 are in the borderline range. Scores below 67 are in the disabled range. (from Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1992, Ch55, p28) – NLM Medical Subject Headings, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025

Excerpt:
“The sharp drop in the ID fraction between birth year 2000 and 2002 coincided with the removal of thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative and neurotoxin linked to autism severity, from most childhood vaccines. Conversely, the renewed increase in the ID fraction after 2006 coincided with the reintroduction of thimerosal via flu shots promoted for infants and pregnant women. Low-income women and children are particularly likely to receive those products in some states, due to health insurance and daycare requirements, which may be contributing to autism severity as well as to the recent strong divergence in ASD prevalence by race/ethnicity.”

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  • June 25, 2025