Current Terminology for Mental Retardation
The correct term is "Intellectual Disability (Intellectual Developmental Disorder)" or ID/IDD, which replaced "mental retardation" in 2013 when the American Psychiatric Association revised the DSM-5. 1
Official Terminology Change
In 2013, the DSM-5 officially replaced "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder)" to reflect modern understanding and reduce stigma. 1
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) initiated this paradigm shift in 1992, changing from "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability" to emphasize the disability construct rather than a fixed deficit. 1
The World Health Organization's ICD-11 similarly adopted "intellectual developmental disorders" as the preferred terminology, recognizing these as disorders of neurodevelopment occurring during the developmental period. 1, 2
Person-First Language
Clinicians should use "person-first" language, stating "a person with intellectual disability" rather than labeling the individual by their condition. 1
This linguistic approach has been adopted by federal law and the medical field to emphasize the individual before their diagnosis. 1
Historical Context
The term "mental retardation" was itself introduced in 1961 by the American Association on Mental Retardation to replace earlier pejorative terms like "idiot," "imbecile," and "cretin" that were used in the 19th century. 1
The evolution from "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability" represents society's changing perception and a shift toward viewing this as a condition that can be enhanced through environmental modifications and social supports, rather than a static, unchangeable deficit. 1
Specific Terminology for Different Age Groups
Use "Global Developmental Delay" when clinical severity cannot be reliably assessed in children under age 5. 1
Use "Unspecified Intellectual Disability (Intellectual Developmental Disorder)" for children over age 5 when other impairments make assessment difficult. 1
Federal and Legal Adoption
- The U.S. Social Security Administration officially replaced "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability" in their regulations in 2013, reflecting widespread adoption by Congress and government agencies. 3