- MENTAL RETARDATION
Mental retardation is a developmental disability that first appears in children under
the age of 18. It is defined as an intellectual functioning level
that is well below average and significant.
limitations in daily living skills. Mental retardation begins in
childhood or adolescence before the age of 18. In most cases, it persists throughout
adulthood. A diagnosis of mental retardation is made if an individual has an intellectual
functioning level well below average and significant limitations in two or more adaptive
skill areas. Intellectual functioning level is defined by standardized tests that measure
the ability to reason in terms of mental age)
Mental retardation is defined as IQ score below 70-75. Adaptive skills are the skills needed for daily life. Such skills include the ability to produce and understand language
(communication); home-living skills; use of community resources; health, safety, leisure,
self-care, and social skills; self-direction; functional academic skills (reading, writing,
and arithmetic); and work skills.
- Mild mental retardation:
Approximately 85% of the mentally retarded
population is in the mildly retarded category. Their IQ score ranges from
50-75, and they can often acquire academic skills up to the 6th grade level.
They can become self-sufficient and in some cases live independently, with
community and social support.
- Moderate mental retardation:
About 10% of the mentally retarded population
is considered moderately retarded. Moderately retarded individuals have IQ
scores ranging from 35-55. They can carry out work and self-care tasks with
moderate supervision. They typically acquire communication skills in childhood
and are able to live and function successfully within the community in a supervised
environment such as a group home.
- Causes of Mental Retardation
.
The severity of the symptoms and the age at which they first appear depend on the
cause. Children who are mentally retarded reach developmental milestones significantly
later than expected, if at all. If retardation is caused by chromosomal or other genetic
disorders, it is often apparent from infancy. If retardation is caused by childhood
illnesses or injuries, learning and adaptive skills that were once easy may suddenly
become difficult or impossible to master.
- Factors of Mental Retardation :
- Environmental factors:
Ignored or neglected infants who are not provided the
mental and physical stimulation required for normal development may suffer irreversible
learning impairments. Children who live in poverty and suffer from malnutrition,
unhealthy living conditions, and improper or inadequate medical care are at a higher
risk. Exposure to lead can also cause mental retardation. Many children have
developed lead poisoning by eating the flaking lead-based paint often found in older
buildings.
- Treatment:
If mental retardation is suspected, a comprehensive physical examination
and medical history should be done immediately to discover any organic cause of
symptoms. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism and PKU are treatable. If these
conditions are discovered early, the progression of retardation can be stopped and,
in some cases, partially reversed. If a neurological cause such as brain injury is
