Talk:Developmental disability

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[edit] I

I was just wondering where the term 'mental retardation' and 'developmental disability' is a used and correct term, because it isn't in the UK. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.138.211.17 (talk) 22:16, 9 September 2007 (UTC)

I'll take it upon myself to work on in a little while. It defintly needs retooling. —AmpulexCompresa


This article frankly sucks. What are we going to do about it? —Keenan Pepper 01:42, 4 January 2006 (UTC)

It looks suspiciously like a diagnostic definition. This and mental retardation need to be re-jigged - the way I understand/see it, 'mental retardation' characterises the medical model of disability (IQ-defined) and 'developmental disability' the social model (multiple impediments to social and intellectual development, not just IQ). This usage of 'developmental disability' is synonymous with the use of the term 'learning disability' in the UK. The article could be expanded significantly to reflect this and discuss developmental disabilities and their impact on people's lives, service provision, education and support, community attitudes etc and alter the mental retardation article to more accurately describe the current situation. I'm in the middle of working on another article at the moment, but it's on my to-do list. Natgoo 22:31, 6 January 2006 (UTC)
Okay, I've just noticed that mental retardation talk page is rather extensive - I'll need to take a look at the discussion there. Natgoo 22:42, 6 January 2006 (UTC)

I have started working on a new version of this article at [Developmental disability/temp link removed]. Please contribute! Natgoo 17:18, 10 January 2006 (UTC)

I've started loading the changes into the article page - but it is still under construction. Natgoo 14:51, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

Okay - the bulk of the content is now finished, but I'm yet to properly wikify every section and still need to add some references and external links. Please make additions/changes as necessary, thanks! Natgoo 20:50, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

I've tried to rebalance the article - far too much focus on the person as the problem, rather than realising that the problem is rooted in the attitudes and values of the people around the person. There is still a lot of work to be done changing some of the negatively labelling terms to more realistic ones: 'Attention seeking' sounds terrible, so I changed it to 'Seeking social interaction' which means virtually the same thing, without being insulting to the person - what they are seeking is actually a basic human right - interaction with other people. I'd like to see alternative terms used for words like 'stealing' I'm not sure this is an accurate description of what the person's intention actually is, and when a behaviour is interpreted in this way, it can have severe negative consequences for the person.Max Neill (talk) 13:37, 7 December 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Cognitive impairment

Moved from article space
Note: Cognitive impairment may also apply to elderly as a condition preceding Alzheimer's Disease. Such cognitive impairment would not be classified as a developmental disability. Some reorganization of this section, perhaps removing the redirect to this page, is required. Cognitive impairment is not synonymous with developmental disability. Here is a blurb from a recent research abstract... which could use a page on simple cognitive impairment as opposed to developmental impairment. Cognitive impairment also occurs at the latter stages of life, when development is already complete!!!

Thirteen elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were enrolled in Dr. Su's study. Patients with MCI are at high risk for developing AD. These 13 patients and 13 elderly control subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and performed recall tasks. On MRI images, ADC values were measured in gray- and white-matter regions by using the computer-aided analysis program. Findings were compared between patients and healthy controls.

Sure. Go ahead, be bold! Natgoo 11:47, 5 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Picture

Hi, I was recently harassed for "vandalizing" this page.

I added a picture of my friend, who suffers from a mental handicap and I have proof via test results done by multiple doctors, to this article. He is a generous and humble, sometimes shy, young man who wanted to add his image to the article. He is very positive about his disability and believed with every ounce of his heart that by adding info into the article, he would be helping those looking for information. Not being as computer literate as the rest of us, he asked me, his close friend, to help him do this.

I in no way defaced or vandalized the page and was harshly criticized by a user for doing so.

I would like to reinstate the picture, and I will prove all of the above if need be, and keep it there.

(Added title for clarity) Sorry you feel that the criticism you received was harsh, but pictures are a tricky thing - I didn't remove it, but I'd be very uncomfortable with a picture of a person in this article. Mainly because most people with such disabilities don't have distinctive physical attributes to warrant a photo, and those who do (people with Down syndrome, for eg) are so often trotted out as the poster children for disability organisations because people pity them. I don't think we need to follow that trend here, nor do I think the article needs a photo, but I'm glad your friend wants to be involved in Wikipedia. Can you help him learn the basics of editing instead? Natgoo 13:49, 5 July 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Definitions

PLEASE, PLEASE, YOU HAVE TO FIX YOUR DEFINITIONS!!!

Developmental Disability (DD) is NOT the same as Intellectual Disability (ID). Person with DD may have ID but not always. Furthermore, person with ID always has a developmental disability just by definitions.

Please see these definitions:

Developmental Disabilities (DD)

Severe, chronic disability that: is attributed to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments; is manifested before the person attains the age of 21; is likely to continue indefinitely; results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following major life activity areas: self care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic self sufficiency; and reflects the person’s need for a combination and sequence of special and interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment, or other services which are of lifelong or extended duration and individually planned and coordinated.

Reference:(PL 95-602 Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendment of 1978, Section 119, 29 USC 794)

Mental Retardation (MR) (old language, presently Intellectual Disabilities)

A disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. ��This disability originates before age 18.

Five Assumptions Essential to the Application of the Definition Limitations in present functioning must be considered within the context of community environments typical of the individual's age peers and culture. Valid assessment considers cultural and linguistic diversity as well as differences in communication, sensory, motor, and behavioral factors. Within an individual, limitations often coexist with strengths. An important purpose of describing limitations is to develop a profile of needed supports. With appropriate personalized supports over a sustained period, the life functioning of the person with mental retardation generally will improve.

References: American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR 1992) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM IV 1994) International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10 1994 ) American Psychological Association (APA 1996)

Intellectual Disabilities

"Whilst no one definition of intellectual disabilities has gained universal acceptance, it is generally accepted that the term intellectual disabilities encompasses any set of conditions, resulting from genetic, neurological, nutritional, social, traumatic or other factors occurring prior to birth, at birth, or during childhood up to the age of brain maturity, that affect intellectual development."

Reference: Summative Report to the World Health Organization by the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities 2000

For further reading: Mental Retardation Is No More—New Name Is Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities http://www.aaidd.org/About_AAIDD/MR_name_change.htm


--Jsisirak 18:48, 7 June 2007 (UTC)

It's too fine a distinction to warrant further explanation in an encyclopaedia article, IMO. The only group of people that may be described as having an intellectual disability and not a developmental disability, according to my understanding of this definition, are people with brain injuries acquired after adolescence - who, in my experience, are usually still eligible for DD services if there aren't any ABI-specific services. Also, in the countries/ international bodies that solely use the term 'intellectual disability', there is no such distinction - in fact it's not one I've ever heard before. Yay for the US for coming into line with the rest of the world! Finally! Natgoo 13:26, 5 July 2007 (UTC)

I do not agree with you. Some people who are born with developmental disabilities and DO NOT have an intellectual disability such as people with Cerebral Palsy, vision, speech, hearing disabilities, etc. There is a DISTINCTION! If you have not heard of it, it doesn't mean that you have to be right.

I totally agree with the above. I work with many people with developmental disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy that have no intellectual disabilities. I wonder, does Asperger syndrome qualify as a ID? Revolverlbc1 (talk)

I think it's an important distinction and deserves inclusion in this article. ID is a synonym for MR. It is a specific subset of developmental disabilities, but it's also a non-developmental disability. You can acquire ID through brain injury, not just through developmental problems. WhatamIdoing (talk) 00:04, 4 May 2008 (UTC)

[edit] IQ-based classification

Hi there. I removed the following from the article:

Main article: Intelligence quotient

The mentaly disabled people have unusually low IQ score ranges (from DSM-IV):

  • mild mental disability: IQ 50–55 to 70; children require mild support; formally called "Educable Mentally Retarded".
  • moderate disability: IQ 35–40 to 50–55; children require moderate supervision and assistance; formally called "Trainable Mentally Retarded".
  • severe mental disability: IQ 20–25 to 35–40; can be taught basic life skills and simple tasks with supervision.
  • profound mental disability: IQ below 20–25; usually caused by a neurological condition; require constant care.

because there isn't any IQ-based classification for developmental disabilities. There is, however, for mental retardation, but that info is already in that article. I've also removed the references to IQ in the causes section, for the same reason and because some of it was duplicate (prevalence in males). Natgoo 13:38, 5 July 2007 (UTC)(edited)

It there is not, then there is not... In this case this information can be dropped from everywhere. If you have some reference for that, it would be good to fix the article about IQ as well. Audriusa 17:39, 5 July 2007 (UTC).
It's a terminology issue more than anything, I think. People use 'mental disability' as a euphemism for mental retardation because the latter is only really accepted in certain contexts, but often use the same criteria. I think it's a matter of changing the links referring to 'mental disability' to 'mental retardation' where the latter is meant, such as in the IQ article (I think). I'll take a look now and change the links if appropriate. Cheers Natgoo 19:43, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
And, I see you've sorted it. Thanks Natgoo 19:53, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

[edit] “Disabled people and religious inclusion”

In the US, many churches are beginning to offer family support and religious inclusion for disabled persons, especially developmentally delayed children. Typically churches offer these services to families of disabled persons and disabled members: education in an accommodated setting, family support groups, advocacy training, local school system information and social programs.

However some local churches have actively excluded disabled people from attending due to perceived “danger” to other worshippers.

Some churches are offering programs on the following topics to parents of developmentally delayed children: • Education in an accommodated setting • Family support groups • Advocacy training • Local school system information • Social programs.

External Links http://www.woolridgeroad.org/SpecialNeedsMinistry/WideOpenDoorsConference/tabid/117/Default.aspx

http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--disabledfaithful0419apr19,0,5136302,full.story

http://www.startribune.com/local/19033344.html?location_refer=Homepage Bsarma200 (talk) 17:18, 4 June 2008 (UTC)