What is the current term for mental retardation?

In the United States, a federal statute (Public Law 111-256, Rosa’s law) replaces the term ‘mental retardation’ with ‘intellectual disability’ and requires that person first language be used when referring to those affected in all federal laws.

How is mental retardation defined?

Mental retardation is present in about 2 to 3 percent of the population. It can be defined as cognitive ability that is markedly below average level and a decreased ability to adapt to one’s environment.

What are the 4 levels of an intellectual disability?

There are four levels of ID:

• mild.
• moderate.
• severe.
• profound.

What do you need to know about mental retardation?

Throughout history, the definition, diagnosis, terminology, and etiology of mental retardation have changed, influencing services, policy, education, and prevalence. Mental retardation is a condition of substantial limitations in intellectual functioning that impacts performance in daily life.

When did they change the term mental retardation?

On January 28, 2013, we published an NPRM that proposed replacing the term “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability” in our listings that we use to evaluate claims involving mental disorders in adults and children under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (Act) and in other appropriate sections of our rules. [ 1]

Is the term mental retardation offensive to some people?

Advocates for individuals with intellectual disability have rightfully asserted that the term “mental retardation” has negative connotations, has become offensive to many people, and often results in misunderstandings about the nature of the disorder and those who have it.

How many people in the world have mental retardation?

Individuals with severe and multiple disabilities are considered a small subset of this population. Most persons with mental retardation are capable of achieving self-sufficiency. A 1998 study indicates that prevalence estimates cluster around 1 percent, with a high of 2 percent. Prior to the 1700s, those with mental retardation suffered greatly.