Intellectual Disability: Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports

This Manual contains the most current and authoritative information and knowledge on intellectual disability, including best practice guidelines on diagnosing and classifying intellectual disability and developing a system of supports for people living with an intellectual disability. Written by a committee of 18 experts, Intellectual Disability: Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports (11th edition) is based on seven years of work on: (1) a synthesis of current information and best practices regarding intellectual disability; (2) numerous reviews and critiques of the 10th edition of the AAIDD definition manual; and (3) feedback from the field regarding a series of articles published by the Committee. This is the first official AAIDD definition manual with the terminology Intellectual Disability .

FEATURING BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES AND DISCUSSIONS FOR PROFESSIONALS

Here's how you can benefit from this best practice Manual:
-Learn an authoritative definition and diagnostic system of intellectual disability designed to give you a thorough and step-by-step understanding of all the factors that go into determining intellectual disability
-Consult expert guidelines on critical issues such as the role of assessment in the diagnostic process, challenges faced in quantifying intelligence, evaluating the role of IQ in making a diagnosis, and how to assess adaptive behavior
-Understand key clinical judgment strategies to enhance the validity and precision of a clinician's decision on the diagnosis of intellectual disability
-Learn how the Manual can serve college and university students in health and related disciplines
-Discover the relationship between the AAIDD System and other diagnostic systems
-Read detailed discussions on the 10 dimensions of support areas in a person's life and various approaches to individualized service planning
-Understand why the Manual is invaluable for school psychologists and other special education professionals for determining eligibility and learn how the IDEA and the AAIDD supports-based system are related
-Learn about the unique needs of people with intellectual disability with higher IQs
-Read updated essays on how to apply the AAIDD Definition System within special education systems, public policy initiatives, and provider organizations

INTRODUCING THE WORLD'S MOST PROGRESSIVE DEFINITION AND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The AAIDD System is based on an advanced view of disability and the belief that providing proper supports will enhance the functioning of a person with an intellectual disability. While intellectual functioning, adaptive behavior, and age of onset remain the criteria for evaluating intellectual disability, supports remain the cornerstone of the AAIDD Definition System.

AAIDD believes that once a diagnosis of intellectual disability is made, planning and providing supports is the key to reduce the mismatch between a person's capabilities and the skills, and what is required to successfully participate in all aspects of daily life. The focus on individualized supports and the optimism inherent in the AAIDD System allow professionals to plan progressive services and enhance the quality of life of people living with an intellectual disability.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
The AAIDD Ad Hoc Committee on Terminology and Classification consists of 18 world-renowned experts in disability, medicine, special education, and law.

'An indispensable desk-top reference and primer on assessing intellectual disability that includes a compendium of leading practices on structuring effective life-long supports.' --Renee L. Pietrangelo, CEO, ANCOR-Providers offering quality supports to people with disabilities

'The 11th edition of the AAIDD Definition Manual continues our progress in both describing a person with an intellectual disability in several dimensions, not solely based on IQ or Adaptive behavior, and integrating further the concept of supports into the definition and practice. The interaction between a person with an intellectual disability diagnosis and his or her environment is fully incorporated into this edition. Refinements based on an extensive feedback system, both in the field and in peer-reviewed literature are incorporated making the 11th edition the most advanced tool of its kind.' --Steven M. Eidelman, Professor and Co-Director, National Leadership Consortium, University of Delaware

'The AAIDD Definition framework offers a wonderful overview to university students in psychology and educational sciences and makes them about supports within the community as a direct way to influence the quality of life of the children and adults they work with.' --Geert Van Hove, Professor, Ghent University, Belgium

'An indispensable desk-top reference and primer on assessing intellectual disability that includes a compendium of leading practices on structuring effective life-long supports.' --Renee L. Pietrangelo, CEO, ANCOR-Providers offering quality supports to people with disabilities

'The AAIDD Definition framework offers a wonderful overview to university students in psychology and educational sciences and makes them about supports within the community as a direct way to influence the quality of life of the children and adults they work with.' --Geert Van Hove, Professor, Ghent University, Belgium