Chapter FiveIndividuals With Intellectual Individuals With Intellectual

Disabilities or Mental RetardationDisabilities or Mental Retardation

Defining Intellectual Disability: An Evolving Process

1961 AAIDD Definition1973 AAIDD Definition1983 AAIDD Definition1992 AAIDD Definition2002 AAIDD Definition2010 AAIDD Definition

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Defining Intellectual Disability or Mental Retardation1961 AAIDD definition

“Subaverage general intellectual functioning which originates during the developmental period and is associated with impairments in adaptive behavior.”

1973 AAIDD definition“Significantly subaverage general

intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior, and manifested during the developmental period.”

1983 AAIDD definition“Significantly subaverage general

intellectual functioning resulting in or associated with concurrent impairment in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period.”

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Defining Intellectual Disability or Mental Retardation1992 AAIDD definition

“Significantly subaverage intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with related limitations in two or more of the following applicable adaptive skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure, and work. Mental retardation manifests before age 18.”

It portrays intellectual disability as a relationship among three key elements: the individual, the environment, and the type of support required for maximum functioning in various settings.

It stresses functioning in one’s community rather than just focusing on the clinical aspect of the individual such as IQ score or adaptive behavior.

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Defining Intellectual Disability or Mental Retardation2002 AAIDD definition

“Mental retardation 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 age 18.”

Limitations in present functioning must be considered within the context of community environments typical of the individual’s age, peers, and culture.

With appropriate personalized supports over a sustained period, the life functioning of the person with an intellectual disability will generally improve.

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Defining Intellectual Disability or Mental Retardation

2010 AAIDD definition The term mental retardation is replaced by the more

contemporary label, intellectual disabilities. Developed by a committee of eighteen medical and

legal scholars as well as policymakers, educators, and other professionals, the 2010 definition emphasizes the abilities and assets of individuals with intellectual disabilities rather than their deficits or limitations.

Intellectual disabilities are viewed as a state of functioning rather than an inherent trait. As in earlier definitions, one of the goals of the 2010 definition is to maximize support services so as to allow persons with intellectual disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of daily life.

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Adaptive Skill Areas

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Assessing Intellectual Ability

Assessment tools: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 4th

Edition (WISC-IV) Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (5th ed.)

Potential problems: Potential for cultural bias Flexibility of IQ scores Overemphasis on IQ score

Watch this video to learn more about diagnosing students with intellectual disabilities

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Assessing Adaptive BehaviorAdaptive behavior is seen as “the degree to

which, and the efficiency with which, the individual meets the standards of maturation, learning, personal independence, and/or social responsibility that are expected for his or her age level and cultural group.”

(Grossman, 1983, p. 11)

Assessing Adaptive Behavior Considers the context of the individual’s

environment and cultural influencesAssessment Tools:

AAMR Adaptive Behavior Scale-School AAMR Adaptive Behavior Scale-Residential

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Classification of Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities Etiological perspective- consequence of

disease processes or biological defects Intellectual deficits- classification based

on IQ score Educational perspective- use of outdated

terms to distinguish a children’s level of ability to learn academic or employment skills

Levels of supports- definitions have shifted to an emphasis on the level of supports that an individual needs rather than IQ score

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Brief History of the Field Early civilizations The Middle Ages Early optimism (early nineteenth

century) Protection and pessimism (late

nineteenth and early twentieth centuries)

Emergence of public education for students with intellectual disabilities

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Prevalence of Intellectual Disabilities Over 476,000 students between the

ages of 6-21 were identified as having intellectual disabilities during the 2008-2009 school year.

These students represent approximately 8% of all pupils with disabilities and about 1% of the total school age population.

The number of students identified as having intellectual disabilities has decreased over the years.

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Etiology of Intellectual Disabilities or Mental RetardationPrenatal (before birth)

chromosomal, maternal infections, environmental factors, unknown influences

Perinatal (during birth)gestational disorders, neonatal complications

Postnatal (after birth) infections and intoxicants, environmental

factors

To learn about people with Down Syndrome view the following video: Down Syndrome in the 21st Century

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Prevention of Intellectual Disabilities and Mental RetardationPrevention Levels:

Primary (before onset or occurrence) Prenatal care, genetic testing,

ultrasoundSecondary (reduce risk factors)

Newborn screeningTertiary (interventions)

Aimed at maximizing the quality of life for a person with a disability

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Characteristics of Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities or Mental Retardation

Learning Characteristics

-attention-memory-academic

performance-motivation-generalization-language

development

Social and Behavioral

Characteristics-poor interpersonal skills-socially appropriate interactions-difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships

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Educational Considerations Functional academics/functional

curriculum Community-based instruction Standards-based instruction

IEP teams must consider:student and family preferences, student’s age and years left in school, rate of learning, current and future settings, other skill needs

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Effective Instructional Techniques High expectations Task analysis Cooperative learning Scaffolding Inclusion strategies:

Modify instruction, materials, and assessments

Teach organizational skillsMonitor progress of all studentsCollaborate with families

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Services for Young Children With Intellectual Disabilities

Early intervention can be defined as the services and supports rendered to children with disabilities or those who evidence risk factors, younger than age 3, and their families.

Early intervention represents a consortium of services—not just educational assistance but also health care, social services, family supports, and other benefits.

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Transition Into AdulthoodTransition planning

Independent livingEmployment

Sheltered workshop Supported competitive employment Job coach

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Adults With Intellectual Disabilities Integration in all aspects of daily life

with nondisabled peers Self-determination: decision-making

capacity must be fostered Self-advocacy: encourage people with

intellectual disabilities to advocate for their own wants and needs

Watch this video to learn about a woman with intellectual disabilities: Intellectual Disabilities

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Family Issues

Families with a child with intellectual disabilities may experience a wide range of concerns and often rely on a support network made up of friends and family members in addition to parent organizations and professional groups.

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Issues of Diversity Overrepresentation of minority students

in special education programs Culturally biased assessment tools and

practices Teacher expectations

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Technology and Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities

Instructional technology: any device that supports the teaching/learning process, such as a computer or television

Assistive technology: technology that is specially designed to assist persons with disabilities

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Trends, Issues, and Controversies

Genetic testing Quality of life Attitudinal changes Technology and medical advances Inclusive education Increased self-advocacy and self-

determination

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