Can not being able to read cause an intellectual disability?

The ability to read is closely related to cognitive functioning and educational attainment but not necessarily a direct cause of intellectual disability. Intellectual disability is defined by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning (usually measured by IQ) and in adaptive behavior, which includes practical and social skills.

Not being able to read might reflect other underlying issues such as inadequate education, environmental factors, or learning disabilities, but it does not inherently indicate or cause an intellectual disability on its own. Reading is a skill that can be developed; hence, a person may struggle with reading without having a cognitive impairment that would warrant a diagnosis of intellectual disability.

The challenge with reading may arise due to a variety of circumstances, such as specific learning disorders or lack of access to educational resources, rather than implying an intellectual disability by itself. This understanding emphasizes the distinction between specific learning difficulties and broader cognitive impairments.