Perspectives of intellectual disability in Mexico: epidemiology, policy, and services for children and adults.
OBJECTIVE
Intellectual disability is a public health issue, which has largely been overlooked in Mexico. The magnitude of this problem is unknown; few programs exist for adults and mental health professionals focus mainly on identifying treatable comorbidities.


RESULTS
In Mexico, there is an example of a best practice in social integration. This program has benefited hundreds of adults with intellectual disability by teaching four basic abilities: practical academic skills; vocational skills; independent living skills; and skills for community integration.


CONCLUSIONS
In a sociocultural and economic context such as Mexico's, social integration programs are feasible and necessary in order to provide an organized social response to the health, social, and vocational needs of people with intellectual disability and should become part of public policy.
Katz
Gregorio
G
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México.
Márquez-Caraveo
Maria E
ME
Lazcano-Ponce
Eduardo
E
D000328:Adult; D002608:Charities / Q000458:organization & administration; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D011640:Public Policy; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support; D012947:Social Work