Quality of Life of People with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Intellectual Disability, according to DSM-V is defined as a “disorder with onset during the developmental period that includes both intellectual and adaptive functioning deficits in conceptual, social and practical domains.” Clinical judgment and individually administered standardized tests confirm deficits in intellectual functions such as reasoning, problem solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgment, academic learning and learning from experience. Adaptive functioning is also deficit as the individual needs assistance in one or more activities of daily living such as communication, social participation and independent living across multiple environments such as home, school, work and community. The need to understand the quality of life of people with intellectual disability is crucial as this mental disability is considered to be a major setback for any individual and his/her family. It needs to be highlighted here, that the families of people with intellectual disability also play a crucial role. New research reviews are required to bring policy changes and better tools.