Intellectual disability (ID), formerly called Mental Retardation (MR), is a condition of arrested or incomplete development of the mind characterized by impaired developmental skills that contribute to the overall level of intelligence (Kaplan & Sadock, 1998). Cognitive, language, motor, social and other adaptive behavior skills are affected and thus should be used to determine the level of intellectual impairments.
(DSM) this occurs before the age of 18 years. It is classified into 4: Mild ID, with IQ level 50-55 to approximately 70, Moderate ID with IQ level 35-40 to 50-55, Severe ID with IQ level 20-25 to 35-40 and Profound ID with IQ level below 20-25.
In Mild ID the child is called educable, capable of learning basic academic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic. Most of these children can learn vocational skills.
In Moderate ID they are called trainable, and find themselves usually not admitted in regular schools but can instead go to special schools. They need supervisory help as well as special teaching and training on basic skills needed for day to day life.
Severe and profound ID children are usually referred to as custodial. Normally, they remain at home or under some residential facilities due to their overwhelming dependence
