ABSTRACT
The DSM-5 has suggested two possibilities for replacing the term "mental retardation", which are intellectual disability or intellectual developmental disorder (IDD). There are currently three existing systems for the classification of IDD in North America: the DSM-5; American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD); and the Educational System. IDEA has modified its definition of IDD and the recommended levels of IQ functioning to align with definitions and IQ levels suggested by AAIDD. Today the majority of children and youth with IDD would fall within the mild level of impairment. Associated features that may become more obvious over time are delays in achieving milestones in areas that are key to developmental progress. The most common causes for IDD are those that relate to the biomedical and genetic domain, and include: genetic conditions, problems during pregnancy, problems during delivery or health-related problems. The majority of interventions focus on the reduction of behavioral/emotional issues, or increasing social, educational or adaptive functioning.
