Mental defective was a term loosely applied from the early 20th century until the 1960s to people considered to be intellectually, behaviourally or sexually subnormal. Some 'mental defectives' were physically disabled whereas others were considered to be 'high grade' or 'high functioning' but their behaviour was considered unacceptable to welfare authorities.
Prepared by: Naomi Parry
Created: 27 October 2011, Last modified: 3 October 2014
Last updated: 4 August 2023
Cite this: https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/ref/nsw/biogs/NE00996b.htm
First published by the Find & Connect Web Resource Project for the Commonwealth of Australia, 2011
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