A Holistic Theoretical Approach to Intellectual Disability: Going Beyond the Four Current Perspectives

Robert L Schalock; Ruth Luckasson; Marc J Tassé; Miguel Angel Verdugo

doi:10.1352/1934-9556-56.2.79

A Holistic Theoretical Approach to Intellectual Disability: Going Beyond the Four Current Perspectives

Intellect Dev Disabil. 2018 Apr;56(2):79-89. doi: 10.1352/1934-9556-56.2.79.

Authors

Robert L Schalock¹, Ruth Luckasson¹, Marc J Tassé¹, Miguel Angel Verdugo¹

Affiliation

¹ Robert L. Schalock, Hastings College; Ruth Luckasson, University of New Mexico; Marc J. Tassé, The Ohio State University; and Miguel Angel Verdugo, University of Salamanca, Spain.

PMID: 29584556
DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-56.2.79

Abstract

This article describes a holistic theoretical framework that can be used to explain intellectual disability (ID) and organize relevant information into a usable roadmap to guide understanding and application. Developing the framework involved analyzing the four current perspectives on ID and synthesizing this information into a holistic theoretical framework. Practices consistent with the framework are described, and examples are provided of how multiple stakeholders can apply the framework. The article concludes with a discussion of the advantages and implications of a holistic theoretical approach to ID.

Keywords: intellectual disability; perspectives on intellectual disability; theoretical approach; theoretical framework.

MeSH terms

Holistic Health*
Humans
Intellectual Disability* / psychology
Intellectual Disability* / therapy
Models, Theoretical*
Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care