Mental Retardation or Intellectual Disability? Time for a Change

摘要

Recently, two commentaries appeared in this journal concerning nomenclature and use of the term "intellectual disability" (ID) to replace the term "mental retardation" (MR). Moeschler and Nis-beft [2011 ] argue in favor of the change, citing several reasons: First, it would bring the journal in accordance with other publications and consistent with current professional usage; second, other organizations such as NICHD and the newly designated AAIDD have altered their names in accordance with the change in terminology as recommended by AAIDD and WHO; and third, it is less offensive to persons with such impairments and their families. Despite the fact that the substitution has been made in DSM-V, the gold standard setting criteria for psychiatric and behavioral disorders in childhood, adolescence, and adults, Chiurazzi [2011] argues against the switch. He cites as justifiable the following reasons for not making the change: First, the term "retardation" refers to the correct notion that the disability is developmental; second, "intellectual disability" may not only be coincident with developmental delay, but also result from brain trauma, stroke, or some neurodegenerative disorder.