Mentally retarded

Mental Retardation

Mental retardation, also known as Intellectual Disability, is a term used when a person has certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communicating, taking care of him or herself, and social skills. These limitations will cause a child to learn and develop more slowly than a typical child.

Definition

Mental retardation is defined by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) as a disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18.

Causes

Mental retardation can be caused by any condition that impairs development of the brain before birth, during birth or in the childhood years. Several hundred causes have been discovered, but in about one-third of the people affected, the cause remains unknown. The most common genetic conditions include Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome and Phenylketonuria (PKU).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of mental retardation is typically made through the use of standardized tests of intelligence and adaptive behavior. A diagnosis of mental retardation requires that an individual has an IQ score below 70-75 and significant limitations in two or more adaptive skill areas.

Treatment

While there is no cure for mental retardation, the most effective treatment is through a well-coordinated approach that includes medication, physical therapy, and social and educational services. Early intervention often can reduce the severity of the disability.

See Also

• Developmental Disability
• Special Education
• Learning Disability

References

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