Intellectual Developmental Disorder

Abstract

Abstract From a neurodevelopmental perspective, intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) is a failure of cognitive progression with onset in infancy. IDD is not a static condition but, rather, a dynamic one, which has multiple etiologies that must be considered in treatment planning. It is not a disease or an illness in itself but, rather, has heterogeneous etiologies. In IDD, thinking is not characteristically disordered, and perception is not distorted unless there is a concurrent mental disorder. This chapter reviews the history, diagnosis, classification, epidemiology, etiology, developmental issues, genetics, psychiatric assessment, psychopathology, and treatment of intellectual developmental disorders. Public law and the right to education and legal competency are also discussed.