ABSTRACTBackground: Borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) is characterized by an IQ between 70 and 84/85, representing a cognitivecondition associated with significant learning, academic, and behavioral challenges. Despite its prevalence and impact, BIF re-mains underrecognized in diagnostic classifications, leading to inconsistent clinical management and limited research attention.Objectives: This systematic review is aimed at synthesizing the current literature on BIF in childhood and adolescence, focusingon its neuropsychological profiles, prevalence, and effective strategies to improve quality of life.Methods: We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Articles published between 2013 and 2023were identified through electronic databases, including MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria were studies pre-senting empirical data on BIF in individuals aged 0–18 years, with quantitative results on intellectual and adaptive functioning.Excluded were intervention studies, reviews, and studies focusing on unrelated neuropsychological domains.Results: From 455 articles identified, eight met the inclusion criteria. Key findings include that BIF is associated with cogni-tive deficits, particularly in working memory and academic skills, with a 2-year developmental lag in reading and arithmetic.Prevalence estimates range from 7% to 14%, influenced by socioeconomic factors and environmental stressors. Tailored educa-tional programs and vocational training are effective in addressing cognitive and adaptive challenges, highlighting the need forpersonalized interventions.Conclusions: BIF presents significant clinical, educational, and social challenges that require standardized diagnostic criteriaand targeted interventions. Future research should focus on refining diagnostic approaches, exploring cognitive subtyping, andimplementing cost-effective support systems to enhance the well-being of individuals with BIF.
Mind the Gap: A Systematic Review of Borderline Intellectual Functioning in Childhood and Adolescence / Stievano, Paolo; Mammarella, Valeria; Di Brina, Carlo. - In: BEHAVIOURAL NEUROLOGY. - ISSN 1875-8584. - (2026), pp. 1-14.
Mind the Gap: A Systematic Review of Borderline Intellectual Functioning in Childhood and Adolescence
Paolo Stievano;Valeria Mammarella
;Carlo Di Brina
2026
Abstract
ABSTRACTBackground: Borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) is characterized by an IQ between 70 and 84/85, representing a cognitivecondition associated with significant learning, academic, and behavioral challenges. Despite its prevalence and impact, BIF re-mains underrecognized in diagnostic classifications, leading to inconsistent clinical management and limited research attention.Objectives: This systematic review is aimed at synthesizing the current literature on BIF in childhood and adolescence, focusingon its neuropsychological profiles, prevalence, and effective strategies to improve quality of life.Methods: We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Articles published between 2013 and 2023were identified through electronic databases, including MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria were studies pre-senting empirical data on BIF in individuals aged 0–18 years, with quantitative results on intellectual and adaptive functioning.Excluded were intervention studies, reviews, and studies focusing on unrelated neuropsychological domains.Results: From 455 articles identified, eight met the inclusion criteria. Key findings include that BIF is associated with cogni-tive deficits, particularly in working memory and academic skills, with a 2-year developmental lag in reading and arithmetic.Prevalence estimates range from 7% to 14%, influenced by socioeconomic factors and environmental stressors. Tailored educa-tional programs and vocational training are effective in addressing cognitive and adaptive challenges, highlighting the need forpersonalized interventions.Conclusions: BIF presents significant clinical, educational, and social challenges that require standardized diagnostic criteriaand targeted interventions. Future research should focus on refining diagnostic approaches, exploring cognitive subtyping, andimplementing cost-effective support systems to enhance the well-being of individuals with BIF.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
