Intellectual disability

Abstract Irrespective of geographical, cultural, and socio-economic variations, about 1–2% of the general population have an intellectual disability (ID). Although diagnostic labels of and societal outlook towards this group have changed over time, there are enduring challenges about how they are integrated into mainstream society. While the Western world today focuses on this social integration, low- and middle-income countries face more fundamental issues ranging from diagnostic recognition to the provision of the very basic of support around health and social care. People with ID have not only a high prevalence of physical and mental health problems but also a high rate of preventable deaths. Some of the key reasons for this are discussed in this chapter, along with potential ways of addressing this inequity. Given the shortage of specialist expertise and difficulties in accessing basic resources in some parts of the world, the approaches that have been successful have relied on empowering parents, up-skilling staff working in non-government organizations, and using community support workers. The primary focus of these initiatives is to deliver a model of care that is accessible to the community where people with ID live.