An introductory course in developmental/intellectual disability that familiarizes the student with common terms and language used in the field. The students will discuss the basic criteria for a diagnosis (the definition of) intellectual disability including cognitive functioning when compared to people who are the same age, adaptive functioning, and age of onset. The students will compare different historical eras in developmental disability including eugenics, institutionalization, deinstitutionalization, and community living.
Some prevalent causes of intellectual disability are identified and discussed. Finally, inclusion and advocacy are addressed through description and examples including the role of families and concerned citizens.