Naming, defining, and classifying in mental retardation.

Recent discussions about changing the term mental retardation to a different term may be considered in the broader framework of three distinct but related processes: naming (terminology), defining, and classifying. The three processes are analyzed according to their purposes and functions: In naming, a term is assigned; in defining, the term is explained; and in classifying, the group is divided into subgroups according to stated principles. The current status of each process is described, especially as represented in the 1992 AAMR manual, Mental Retardation: Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports. We suggest three sets of guiding questions that may help evaluate proposed changes in naming, defining, or classifying.