systematic literature search on health promotion strategies for adults with intellectual disabilities
abstract
intellectual disability (id) is not a disease itself, rather it is a condition that is
characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptation in
conceptual and practical skills (van schrojenstein lantman-de valk & walsh, 2008); though
engaging in community living and social skills can also be affected (fisher, 2004). examples of
adaptation skills include communication, self-care, and self-direction. diagnosing the presence
of id is usually conducted by a psychologist using established criteria including having an
intelligence quotient (iq) score of 70 or below, with an onset of the condition before the age of
18 (apa, 1994).
there are a number of terms that have been used by healthcare professionals to
define intellectual disability. the term “mental retardation”, though still used within the
international classification of diseases (icd-10), is currently considered unacceptable by most
(world health organization, 2001), the term intellectual disability (id) is generally preferred,
and will be used in this paper,