Email  |  Print

AAIDD definition system of intellectual disability cited in SSA’s proposed revision of medical criteria for evaluating mental disorders

The AAIDD definition of intellectual disability as cited in the 11^th edition of the Association’s definition manual, Intellectual Disability: Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports, is now part of the Social Security Administration’s Revised Medical Criteria for Mental Disorders as it appears in the Federal Register on August 19, 2010. 

The intent of the proposed changes is to update the criteria for eligibility for benefits under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (most notably SSI and SSDI) so that applications will be evaluated based on the most current diagnostic criteria, assessment strategies, and understanding of the course of the disability. As a result of this clarification, applications will be evaluated more appropriately and people with intellectual and other disabilities will receive the benefits to which they are entitled.

“The Social Security Administration is to be commended for taking steps to assure that the applications for determination of disability are evaluated in a manner consistent with current research and public opinion”, says Margaret Nygren, Executive Director of AAIDD.

Read the proposed rule. Comments are requested by November 17, 2010.