The article consists of three issues. (1) Changes in views on mental retardation: from mental deficiency to intellectual disability; from disability caused by genes to multidirectional assistance in gaining growth (development); from social incapacitation to respect of one's dignity and subjectivity. (2) Characteristics of stability and changeability in intellectual functioning of mentally retarded people: normal (characteristic in most cases); pathological (demonstrated in excess of rigidity or mobility); specific (showing particular defense techniques); allowing recovery from mental retardation in specific circumstances of changed therapy. (3) Ways of managing changes in environment by disabled people: extorting its stability (in cases of autism); accepting the changing world due to love and compassion of people who care for them.
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