What characterizes a person with mental impairment?

A person with mental impairment is typically characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which can include conditions such as mental retardation, mental illness, or developmental disabilities. These characteristics impact the personal, social, and academic skills of an individual, making it difficult for them to navigate various aspects of everyday life.

Mental retardation, now more commonly referred to as intellectual disability, involves lower than average cognitive functioning, while mental illness can encompass a range of disorders that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions that result in cognitive or physical impairments affecting daily functioning. Together, these conditions can lead to a varied spectrum of support needs.

In comparison, options that suggest average intelligence, excellent coping skills, or high emotional intelligence do not align with the definition of mental impairment, as they indicate functioning that is typically considered above average or at least within normal limits. Thus, the correct answer accurately captures the defining characteristics associated with mental impairment.