Mental Retardation

 is an intellectual disability that results in intellectual capabilities

significantly below average.
 Intellectual disability (or ID) is a term used when a person has certain
limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including communication,
social and self-care skills. These limitations can cause a child to develop and
learn more slowly or differently than a typically developing child.
Intellectual disability can happen any time before a child turns 18 years old,
even before birth.
 it is not contagious, has no cure and it is a lifelong condition

How are ID diagnosed?

Children with IDs have significant difficulties in both intellectual functioning and
adaptive behavior.

1. Intellectual functioning- trouble in communicating, learning (talking,

crawling, and walking), problem solving.
 The diagnosis was given to anyone with a low IQ, generally
defined as an IQ below 70. Even though all children with ID show
signs of a developmental delay early in life, not all children with a
developmental delay end up having ID. (IQ ("Intelligence
Quotient") measures a child's learning and problem solving skills.
A normal IQ score is around 100. Children with ID have a low IQ
score–most score between 70 and 55 or lower.) Usually, children
are not able to do an intelligence test (Intelligence Quotient Test
or IQ test) until they are 4 to 6 years old. Therefore, parents may
have to wait until a child reaches that age before knowing for sure
if their child has ID. Sometimes, it can take longer.
 2. Adaptive behavior- (personal care skills like getting dressed, going to
the bathroom, and self-feeding. School or work skills. Learning
routines. Asking for help. Using money. Mental retardation can
interfere with learning, the ability to care for oneself, and the ability
to meet general societal expectations about how to behave.

Most Common Causes

 Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Phenylketonuria (genetic

comditions).
 Complications during pregnancy.
 Problems during birth.
 Diseases or toxic exposure.

How Common Are Intellectual Disabilities?

Approximately 1-3 percent of the global population has an intellectual disability—

as many as 200 million people.

Intellectual disability is significantly more common in low-income countries—

16.41 in every 1,000 people (80%). Disabilities overall are more common in low-
income countries.

Mild Mental Retardation

 An individual is diagnosed with mild mental retardation if they have an IQ

score of 50-69.
  No unusual physical characteristics.
 Typically develop social and communication skills adequate for self support,
but may need assistance during times of unusual stress.
 Academic skills can be acquired up to the 6th grade level or attains reading
and math skills up to grade levels 3 to 6.
 80% are employed (in mainly unskilled or semiskilled jobs)
 About 85 percent of people with intellectual disabilities fall into the mild
category.

Moderate Mental Retardation

 An individual is diagnosed with moderate mental retardation if they have

an IQ score of 35-49.
 Their academic level does not usually progress beyond the 2nd grade level.
 Noticeable developmental delays (i.e. speech, motor skills).
 May have physical signs of impairment (i.e. thick tongue).
 Can communicate in basic, simple ways.
 Able to learn basic health and safety skills.
 Can complete self-care activities.
 Can travel alone to nearby, familiar places.
 About 10% of individuals with mental retardation fall within this category.

Severe Mental Retardation

 An individual has severe mental retardation if they have an IQ score of 20-

34.
 Considerable delays in development.
 Understands speech, but little ability to communicate.
 Able to learn daily routines and may learn very simple self-care
 Require specialized nursing or other care.
  Self-injurious behaviour, including head-banging, biting, and scratching is
not uncommon in children with severe mental retardation.
 Approximately 3-4% of all individuals with mental retardation fall within
this category.

Profound Mental Retardation

 Persons with profound ID have IQ less than 20.

 Cannot live independently, and they require close supervision and help
with self-care activities.
 Significant developmental delays in all areas.
 Obvious physical and congenital abnormalities.
 Not capable of independent living.
 About 1 to 2 percent of people with intellectual disabilities fall into this
category.