(9-20-11)
Mental Retardation (DSM-IV-TR, 2000)
“The essential feature of Mental Retardation is significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning (Criterion A) that is accompanied by significant limitations in adaptive functioning in at least two of the following skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self-direction, functional academic skills, work, leisure, health, and safety (Criterion B). The onset must occur before age 18 years (Criterion C).” (DSM-IV, 1994, p. 39).
Diagnostic criteria (paraphrased)
- A. Significantly subaverage intellectual functioning: an IQ of approximately 70 or below on an individually administered IQ test.
- B. Concurrent deficits or impairments in present adaptive functioning in at least two areas.
- C. The onset is before age 18 years.
Four degrees of severity are specified, based on the level of intellectual impairment:
- Mild Mental Retardation ———- 50-55 to approx. 70———-85%
- Moderate Mental Retardation—-35-40 to 50-55—————-10%
- Severe Mental Retardation——-20-25 to 35-40—————-3-4%
- Profound Mental Retardation—-below 20-25——————-1-2%
- Mental Retardation, Severity Unspecified
- Borderline Intellectual Functioning—-IQ 71-84
1992 Definition of Mental Retardation As Adopted by the American Association of Mental Retardation
n 1992 the AAMR published the 4th revision of the organization’s definition of MR in the past 30 years.
The new definition maintains the basic elements of the 1983 definition but has a stronger emphasis on adaptive and functional skills.
“Mental retardation refers to substantial limitations in present functioning. It is characterized by significantly subaverage intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with related limitations in two or more of the following applicable adaptive skills 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.”
Luckaason, R., Coulter, D., Polloway, E., Reiss, S., Schalock, R., Snell, M., Spitainik, D., & Stark, J. (1992). Mental Retardation: Definitions, Classification, and Systems of Support (9th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Association on Mental Retardation.
AAMR Definition of MR (paraphrased)
- A. Intellectual functioning below IQ 70-75
- B. Age of onset is 18 years or younger
- C. Significant disability in two or more adaptive skill areas:
- communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure and work
- Classification of Support Needs
- Intermittent, Limited, Extensive, Pervasive