Definition of Intellectual Disability

The basic concept and definition of Intellectual Disability is discussed.

1. INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY Definition and Concept By, Antara Choudhury Assistant Professor of Special Education, School of Education, Netaji Subhas Open University, W.B .

2. Intellectual Disability is the currently preferred term for the disability historically referred to as Mental Retardation.

3. AAIDD Definition- 2010 Intellectual Disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social and practical adaptive skills. This disability originates before the age of 18 .

4. KEY CONCEPTS DISABILITY INTELLECTUAL FUNCTIONING ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOUR AGE of ONSET

5. DISABILITY A disability is any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being. ( WHO, 1976 ) Disability is an umbrella term, covering Impairment Activity Limitations Participation Restriction

6. INTELLECTUAL FUNCTIONING Intelligence refers to general mental capability, such as learning, reasoning, problem solving and so on. Limitations in intellectual functioning refers as an IQ test score is approx. 70 or below .

7. ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOUR Adaptive Behavior represents the conceptual, social and practical skills that are learned and performed by people in their everyday lives. Conceptual skills - Language and Literacy, money, time, number Social skills - interpersonal skills, social responsibility, safety, follows rules, avoids victimization Practical skills - ADL, occupational, travel, using telephone

8. AGE of ONSET There is evidence of disability during the developmental period – before the age of 18.

9. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Community Environment Peer group Cultural Differences Linguistic Diversity

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