What term was originally used to describe what we now refer to as "intellectual disability"?

The term "mental retardation" was historically used to describe what is now referred to as "intellectual disability." This term was widely accepted for many years in both clinical and educational settings to categorize individuals with significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.

Over time, however, language and societal understanding of these conditions evolved, leading to the adoption of more respectful and accurate terminology. The change was largely driven by advocacy groups and shifts in public perception about individuals with such conditions. This culminated in a greater awareness of the implications of language and the desire to eliminate stigma.

In specific contexts, the other terms mentioned have their own definitions and applications. "Developmental delay" typically refers to a broader range of delays in development and does not specifically denote the cognitive impairments that characterize intellectual disabilities. "Down syndrome" is a genetic condition that results in intellectual disability but is not a term that describes all individuals with intellectual challenges. "Learning disability" refers to specific difficulties in learning and processing information rather than an overall intellectual impairment.

Thus, the answer "mental retardation" accurately reflects the historical terminology used to describe what is now understood through the more accepted term "intellectual disability."