ABSTRACT
Making meaning of intellectual disability is challenging for professionals, for family members, and for the individual with intellectual and development disability (IDD). This chapter sensitizes helping professionals to the important role that language and communication play in individual and family meaning making and identity development, to inform professionals of the unique challenges faced. It also offers recommendations to promote communication among individuals and families regarding their meaning making and identity journey. The chapter explains the evolution of terminology used to refer to individuals with IDD and how shifts in terminology reflect changes in the conceptualization of individuals with IDD in society. It explores what is known about how individuals with IDD and their families acquire the language associated with intellectual and developmental disability and family members' comfort with using the professionally and socially ascribed terminology. Finally, the chapter provides recommendations for professionals to promote communication among individuals and families regarding their meaning making and identity journey.
