“Mental retardation” and “intellectual disability” both describe the same concepts. However, “intellectual disability” is the preferred term for multiple reasons:

• Accuracy. The term “retard” and variations of it come from a French word that means “to slow.” Experts historically used the term “mental retardation” to describe slowed learning or brain function. However, intellectual disability is more complex and involves disruptions in abilities and behaviors. Because of that, “intellectual disability” is the more accurate term.
• Inclusiveness. Variations of the word “retard” are now largely considered offensive. Widespread misuse of these terms has fueled discrimination and mistreatment. As a result, professional organizations and experts exclusively use “intellectual disability.”
• Legal recognition. In 2010, the U.S. government enacted Rosa’s law. That law removed all uses of the terms “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” from government use, law and policies. “Intellectual disability” and “individual with an intellectual disability” became the preferred official and legal terms.

Is ADHD considered an intellectual disability?

No, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and intellectual disability are distinct conditions. They both fall under the same category of developmental disabilities, but they aren’t the same thing. However, many people have both conditions at the same time.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Intellectual disability is a condition that affects many aspects of a person’s life, but it isn’t the sum total of a person’s being. Education and behavioral support programs also focus on identifying strengths and making the most of them.

If you have a child with an intellectual disability, you may wonder if you were somehow the cause of it. However, intellectual disability is a complicated condition. Multiple factors can cause or contribute to it, so it’s usually not possible to say for certain why it happened (which means you shouldn’t blame yourself if your child develops it). Most importantly, there are numerous support programs and organizations that can help. That way, an individual with intellectual disability has the best chance to have a life that’s as full, happy and fulfilling as any other.