According to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, (AAIDD), an individual has intellectual and/or developmental disabilities if:
Intellectual functioning level (IQ) is below 70-75.
Significant limitations exist in two or more adaptive skill areas; and
The condition is present from childhood (defined as age 18 or younger).
In 2002 AAIDD has further refined their definition to include the following advice to professionals and other team members when using the AAIDD definition, classification and systems of supports:
Evaluate limitations in present functioning within the context of the individuals' age peers and culture;
Take into account the individual's cultural and linguistic differences as well as communication, sensory, motor, and behavioral factors;
Recognize that within an individual limitations often coexist with strengths;
Describe limitations so that an individualized plan of needed supports can be developed; and
Provide appropriate personalized supports to improve the functioning of a person with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
(For further information about AAIDD go to www.aaidd.org)
In the U.S., more than 7.2 million Americans have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. And 100,000 more children born this year will eventually be diagnosed as having intellectual and/or developmental disabilites.
About 89 percent of children and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilites are mildly affected and in many respects are quite similar to people who are not mentally retarded. They differ primarily in rate and degree of intellectual development.
Once devalued and segregated, these citizens now take their rightful place in society, living and working in the community like everyone else. While the quality of life has improved for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, much remains to be done – better services and programs, greater public understanding, as well as a change in societal attitudes are needed if people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are to lead independent, productive lives.
