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About the Book

AAIDD presents its first official definition of the term “intellectual disability” (formerly mental retardation) in the 11^th edition of its Definition Manual titled Intellectual Disability: Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports.

The 11^th edition of the AAIDD Definition Manual contains the world’s most current and authoritative information and knowledge on defining, classifying, and diagnosing intellectual disability and planning life-long supports for people living with this condition.  Written by a committee of 18 experts, Intellectual Disability is based on seven years of work by the Committee. In particular, the process of developing the book included: (1) a synthesis of current information and best practices regarding intellectual disability; (2) numerous reviews and critiques of the previous 10^th edition of the AAIDD definition manual; and (3) feedback from the field regarding a series of articles published by the Committee. 

A contemporary and progressive vision of intellectual disability

The concept of disability being a static, life-long condition is passé. People with intellectual disability can lead vibrant and fulfilling lives in society. The AAIDD definition and diagnostic system matches this contemporary view of disability. The AAIDD System is based on the concept that a disability should be considered within the context of an individual’s environmental and personal factors, and the need for individualized supports. AAIDD recognizes that limitations coexist with strengths in an individual and that IQ alone does not give you the information you need to identify what supports will improve a person’s functioning.

How the AAIDD definition system works

The AAIDD Definition and Diagnostic System is based on three criteria: significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills and age of onset before the age of 18.  However, supports remain the cornerstone of the AAIDD System.  Hence, once a diagnosis of intellectual disability is made, planning and providing supports is the key to reduce the mismatch between a person’s capabilities and the skills and behaviors needed to successfully participate in all aspects of daily life. 

The role of supports in the AAIDD definition system

The concept of Supports is based on a simple idea: Give a person with an intellectual disability appropriate supports and you can enhance his or her functioning in society. Supports are resources or strategies that promote the development, education, interests, and well-being of a person.  For example, supports can be technologies such as a personal digital assistant that shows what steps to follow to complete a job or a bus driver that prompts a person to get off at a stop. By providing proper supports, you enhance the functioning of a person in society, perpetuate person-centered care, and contribute to a better quality of life in society.

Professionals will find in the AAIDD definition manual, detailed discussions on the 10 dimensions of support areas in a person’s life; the five-step process for assessing, planning, and delivering supports to a person with intellectual disability; and various approaches to individualized service planning.

How the Manual helps professionals

• Learn an authoritative definition and diagnostic system of intellectual disability designed to give you a thorough and step-by-step understanding of all the factors that  go into determining intellectual disability
• Consult expert guidelines on critical issues such as the role of assessment in the diagnostic process, challenges faced in quantifying intelligence, evaluating the role of IQ in making a diagnosis, and how to assess adaptive behavior
• Understand key clinical judgment strategies to enhance the validity and precision of a clinician’s decision on the diagnosis of intellectual disability, especially in retrospective cases or when faced with incomplete information or cultural challenges
• Learn how the Manual can serve college and university students in health and related disciplines
• Discover the relationship between the AAIDD System and other diagnostic systems 
• Read detailed discussions on the 10 dimensions of support areas in a person’s life; the five-step process for assessing, planning, and delivering supports to a person with intellectual disability; and various approaches to individualized service planning
• Understand why the Manual is invaluable for school psychologists and other special education professionals for determining eligibility and learn how the IDEA and the AAIDD supports-based system are related 
• Learn about the unique needs of people with intellectual disability with higher IQs 
• Read updated essays on how to apply the AAIDD Definition System within special education systems, public policy initiatives, and provider organizations
  

Who should buy the Manual

The new 2010 edition is a must-have resource for any professional in developmental disability. Past buyers of the Manual include professionals such as, clinical psychologists; disability association executives; university faculty; lawyers, public defenders and advocates; physicians; psychiatrists; court officials; school psychologists; service providers; social workers; special education teachers; state education officials; and vocational experts.

Who wrote the book

The AAIDD Ad Hoc Committee on Terminology and Classification consists of 18 world-renowned experts in disability, medicine, policy, special education, and law. To learn more about individual members, click here.

How to purchase the book

There are four ways to order Intellectual Disability: Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports (11th edition):
Phone: 1 (301)-604-1340
Fax: 1 (301)-206-9789 (Download an order form here)
Web: http://bookstore.aaidd.org
Mail: AAIDD Publications, 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0025