What’s the difference between autism and intellectual disability?

[Anonymous]

How do you know if your autism wasn’t mistaken as an intellectual disability? It can happen right? Because my IQ is lower then average then other autistic people. Most autistic people IQ are average IQ. How can you tell the difference?

Updates

3 mo

And a lower adaptive behavior score

[Anonymous]

People with Autism have problems in social communication, and some repetitive behavioral issues... but they can be quite intelligent.

People with intellectual disability have low IQ, so learning is often more difficult for them.

[Asker]

Does it sound like I just have the low IQ and my autism was likely misdiagnosed because I had problems accidentally and couldn’t even finish college and failed every class because of my mild intellectual disability. My social communication has improved and I don’t have too many repetitive behaviors.

[Asker]

So it sounds like I just have intellectual disability?

[Opinion Owner]

I suppose it's possible.

[Asker]

Really? How?

[Opinion Owner]

You said you have low IQ, and you don't have many repetitive behaviors.

[Asker]

Yeah so autism was likey a misdiagnosis?

[Opinion Owner]

It's possible, I'm not a doctor, so I can't be sure.

[Asker]

So you think most likely I am?

[Opinion Owner]

I don't know you personally, I can only speculate.

[Anonymous]

You need to focus on something else rather than spamming this daily.

[AI Opinion]

Good question, and yes, they *can* be confused, especially in childhood.

Very short version from what I’ve seen working with students:

- Autism = difference in social communication + restricted/repetitive behaviors/sensory differences. Intelligence can be low, average, or high.
- Intellectual Disability (ID) = global difficulty with learning and everyday problem‑solving (IQ typically <70) and adaptive functioning challenges (self‑care, daily living, practical skills).

You can have:
- Autism only
- ID only
- Both together

To clarify your own situation, a full assessment by a psychologist (IQ + adaptive skills + autism measures + history) is the best path.</p>