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Abstract
In dominant definitions of mental retardation, researchers have insisted on the diagnosis being restricted to conditions manifested during the developmental period. However, even in the 19th century, this was only one of several conceptual options, some of which did not exclude adult brain injury or dementia. Events in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly with the growth of institutions, scientific study, and, later, intelligence testing led to these other options being excluded. Here, I discuss the proposal that current definitions are highly contingent on factors that are neither essential nor necessary. Although not arguing for any specific changes to current definitions, I do argue that theoretical options should be kept open and that dominant ones should be questioned.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 23-32 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities |
Volume | 45 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2007 |
Keywords
- Mental retardation
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Dive into the research topics of 'Developmental concept of idiocy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Activities
- 2 Membership of external research organisation
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Disability History Association (External organisation)
Simpson, M. (Member)
2009 → 2024Activity: Membership types › Membership of external research organisation
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British Sociological Association (External organisation)
Simpson, M. (Member)
1992 → 2024Activity: Membership types › Membership of external research organisation