Outline:
SECTION 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
SECTION 2: Role Of Etiology In The Diagnosis Of Intellectual Disability
Meet Lin and Joey
Importance of Etiology
Objections to Performing a Diagnostic Evaluation to Determine Etiology
Two-Factorial vs. Multi-Factorial Nature of Etiology
Risk Factors for Intellectual Disability
Types and Timing of Factors
Summary
SECTION 3: Multifactorial Assessment Of Etiology
Etiologic Assessment
Medical History of the Individual
Medical History of the Individual’s Family
Psychosocial Evaluation
Physical Examination
Laboratory Investigation
Exercise: Match the Risk Factor to Its Category
Summary
SECTION 4: Additional Etiological Considerations
Etiologic Diagnosis
Etiologic Classification
Phenotype and Genotype
Variation and Predictability
Finding the Etiology of Lila’s Intellectual Disability
Summary
SECTION 5: Multi-Dimensional Approach To Classification
The Purpose of Classification in the Field of Intellectual Disability
Current Approaches to Classifying Persons with Intellectual Disability
ICD-9, ICD-10, and ICD-11 Classification Systems
The ICD-10 Description of Mental Retardation
APA Multi-Axial System
Rationale for a Multi-Dimensional Classification System
Multi-Dimensional Classification System
The Five Dimensions
Exercise: A Quick Review
Summary
SECTION 6: Classification And Professional Responsibilities
Classification Based on Intensity of Support Needs
Advantages of the Proposed Multi-Dimensional Classification System
Extension of Functional Uses
Misuses of Classification
More Misuses of Classification
Professional Responsibilities in Assessment, Classification, and Planning Supports
Professional Responsibilities in Assessment of Intellectual Functioning
Professional Responsibilities in Assessment of Adaptive Behavior
Professional Responsibilities in Classification
Professional Responsibilities in Planning Supports
Oscar’s Approach to Classification
Summary
SECTION 7: Role Of Clinical Judgment In Diagnosis, Classifications, And Supports
Remember Lin and Joey?
Clinical Judgment: Definition, Purpose, and Use
A Definition of Clinical Judgment
The Purpose of Clinical Judgment
The Use of Clinical Judgment
Role of Clinical Judgment
Best Practices in ID
Professional Standards
Professional Ethics
Clinical Judgment Strategies
Making Use of Clinical Judgment Strategies
Summary
Section 8: Specific Strategies and Questions
Clinical Judgment Strategy 1: Understanding the Question
Questions Related to Diagnosis
Questions Related to Classification
Questions Related to Developing Support
Clinical Judgment Strategy 2: Conducting or Accessing a Thorough History
Social History
Medical History
Educational History
Retrospective Diagnosis
Clinical Judgment Strategy 3: Conducting or Accessing Broad-Based Assessments
Alternate Assessment Strategies
Direct Observation
Evaluation of Social Competency
Input from the Individual
Input from Knowledgeable Informants
Clinical Judgment Strategy 4: Synthesizing the Obtained Information
Critical Thinking Skills Involved in Synthesizing Information
Kevin’s Clinical Judgment
Summary
SECTION 9: Conclusion
Summary
Course Contributors
References
Congratulations

Myra Lavenue has 16 years of experience creating educational material for online training, classroom training, technical manuals, user’s guides, quick-start guides, job aids, posters, video scripts, and newsletters. Her primary goal when developing instructions is always to write clearly, inform the reader, and engage the reader’s interest by using a voice the reader can relate to. Her customers have included Albertina Kerr Centers, Multnomah County (Oregon), Qwest Communications, American Express, Bellcore, AT&T, Intel Corporation, LAIKA Studios, Hewlett-Packard, The Gap, ACT Inc., John Deere, Rite Aid, and more. She has a BA in Biology from the University of Chicago, and a Master’s in Communications from New York University. Disclosure: Myra Lavenue, M.A. has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.

The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) stands at the forefront of defining what constitutes intellectual disability. AAIDD promotes the vision that with appropriate supports, you can enhance a person with an intellectual disability’s ability to function in society of a person with intellectual disability. Disclosure: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.