Definitions of Intellectual disability according to different laws and different psychologists

               DEFINITIONS OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

1. American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD):

Intellectual disability refers to a disability characterized by substantial limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. These limitations are evident in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills, which include areas such as problem-solving, communication, self-care, and social interaction. Crucially, intellectual disability manifests before the age of 18, indicating that the impairment originates during the developmental period. This definition highlights the comprehensive nature of the disability and underscores the importance of early identification and support for individuals affected by intellectual disability.

2. American Psychiatric Association (APA):

American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5), intellectual disability encompasses deficits in various intellectual functions crucial for cognitive processing. These deficits manifest in areas such as reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgment, academic learning, and the ability to acquire knowledge from experience. Individuals with intellectual disability also exhibit impaired adaptive functioning, hindering their abilities in communication, self-care, home management, social and interpersonal skills, utilization of community resources, self-direction, functional academic skills, work-related tasks, engagement in leisure activities, maintenance of health, and adherence to safety measures. This definition emphasizes the multifaceted nature of intellectual disability, encompassing cognitive and adaptive domains that significantly impact an individual's daily functioning and overall quality of life.

3. World Health Organization (WHO):

Intellectual disability refers to a condition characterized by a state of arrested or incomplete development of the mind. It specifically encompasses impairments in various skills that emerge during the developmental period. These skills encompass cognitive abilities, such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving, as well as language skills encompassing comprehension and expression. Additionally, motor abilities, including coordination and physical movements, and social abilities related to interactions and relationships are also affected. This definition highlights the comprehensive impact of intellectual disability on multiple domains of human functioning, emphasizing the developmental nature of the condition and its far-reaching consequences for an individual's overall abilities and interactions with the world.

4. According to the David Wechsler:

David Wechsler, a prominent psychologist known for developing intelligence tests, defines intellectual disability as "a condition characterized by a significant discrepancy between intellectual potential and actual intellectual functioning. It involves limitations in cognitive abilities, adaptive skills, and social competence."

5. According to the Jean Piaget:

Jean Piaget, a renowned developmental psychologist, describes intellectual disability as "a cognitive impairment that affects the overall process of acquiring, organizing, and applying knowledge. It involves difficulties in logical reasoning, abstract thinking, and the assimilation of information."

6. According to the Lev Vygotsky:

Lev Vygotsky, a key figure in developmental psychology, views intellectual disability as "a social and cultural construct that arises from the interaction between an individual's cognitive impairments and the limitations imposed by the social environment. It emphasizes the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping an individual's cognitive abilities."

7. According to the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995, intellectual disability is defined as a condition characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Intellectual functioning refers to a person's cognitive abilities, including reasoning, problem-solving, abstract thinking, memory, and learning. Adaptive behavior encompasses a person's practical skills required for independent daily functioning, such as communication, self-care, social skills, and the ability to adapt to different situations.

The PWD Act of 1995 recognizes that intellectual disability is present before the age of 18 and has an enduring impact on an individual's overall development and functioning. It emphasizes the need to provide equal opportunities, protection of rights, and full participation in society for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The act promotes the principles of inclusion, non-discrimination, and empowerment, aiming to ensure that individuals with intellectual disability have access to education, employment, healthcare, and other services necessary for their well-being and integration into society. It recognizes the diverse range of abilities and challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disability and emphasizes the importance of reasonable accommodations and support systems to enable their full participation in all aspects of life.

8. According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD Act) of 2016, Intellectual disability is defined as a condition characterized by significant limitations in cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior. Cognitive functioning refers to a person's intellectual abilities, including thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, and memory, which are essential for processing information and acquiring knowledge. Adaptive behavior encompasses a person's practical skills required to meet the demands of everyday life, such as communication, self-care, social interaction, and independent living.

The RPWD Act acknowledges that intellectual disability manifests before the age of 18 and affects an individual's overall development, resulting in difficulties in learning, understanding, and functioning independently in various aspects of life. It recognizes the diverse nature of intellectual disability, which can vary in severity and impact from person to person.

This definition highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disability, ensuring their inclusion, equal opportunities, and protection of rights in society. It promotes a rights-based approach, emphasizing the need to remove barriers, provide support, and facilitate the holistic development and well-being of individuals with intellectual disability.

** It is important to note that these definitions represent various perspectives and approaches to understanding intellectual disability. While there may be some differences in terminology and emphasis, they all highlight the significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior that characterize this condition.