The contemporary view of intellectual and developmental disabilities: Implications for psychologists

Abstract

Background: The field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is currently experiencing a significant transformation that encompasses an integrated approach, especially regarding shared aspects such as a focus on the human and legal rights, the eligibility for services and supports, and an emphasis on individualized supports provided within inclusive community-based environments. Accompanying this transformation is the increased need of precision in both the operational definitions of IDD-related constructs, and the terminology used to describe the respective construct.

Method: the specialized literature was revised, and previous works on the subject by the authors were updated.

Results: This article provides psychologists with the current definition of intellectual disability, operational definitions of intellectual disability and developmental disabilities constructs and associated terminology, and the parameters of an integrated approach to disability.

Conclusions: Implications for psychologists who are involved in diagnosis, classification, and planning supports for persons with intellectual or developmental disability are discussed.