Language, labels and diagnosis: an idiot's guide to learning disability

Author:
McCLIMENS Alex
Journal article citation:
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 11(3), September 2007, pp.257-266.
Publisher:
Sage
Place of publication:
London

The phrase `learning disability' is just one in a long succession of descriptors applied to those people in our society who are categorized by a matrix of psycho-medical assessments, marginalized by compromised intellectual function, characterized by increased health needs and excluded from the mainstream on the basis of reduced social opportunity. But what exactly is `learning disability'? Is there an empirical basis to the label, or is it just another example of bureaucratic language objectifying individuals in a process of medicalization? Historical examples will be used to illustrate the origins of the taxonomy that has subsequently formed the basis of the labelling process. The more recent words of individuals labelled with learning disability too will be introduced to offer some grounding to the debate. Any apparent problem belongs to language more than science. Narrative approaches to understanding are suggested as a useful alternative to traditional scientific inquiry.

Subject terms:
learning disabilities, stereotyped attitudes, communication, diagnosis;
Content type:
research
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1744-6309
ISSN print:
1744-6295

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