MENTAL

RETARDATION

BY: LOUWELLA G. PADASAS

BSED-ENGLISH II
Definition

Mental retardation is a developmental

disability that first appears in children under
the age of 18. It is defined as an intellectual
functioning level (as measured by standard
tests for intelligence quotient) that is well
below average and significant limitations in
daily living skills (adaptive functioning).
Description

According to statistics made available by the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in
the 1990s, mental retardation occurs in 2.5 to 3
percent of the general population. About 6 to
7.5 million mentally retarded individuals live in
the United States alone. Mental retardation
begins in childhood or adolescence before the
age of 18. In most cases, it persists throughout
adulthood.
 In general, mentally retarded children reach
developmental milestones such as walking and talking
much later than the general population. Symptoms of
mental retardation may appear at birth or later in
childhood. Time of onset depends on the suspected
cause of the disability. Some cases of mild mental
retardation are not diagnosed before the child enters
preschool . These children typically have difficulties
with social, communication, and functional academic
skills. Children who have a neurological disorder or
illness such as encephalitis or meningitis may suddenly
show signs of cognitive impairment and adaptive
difficulties.
 CATEGORIES/CLASSIFICATION

Mild mental retardation

Approximately 85 percent of the mentally
retarded population is in the mildly retarded
category. Their IQ score ranges from 50 to 75,
and they can often acquire academic skills up to
the sixth grade level. They can become fairly
self-sufficient and in some cases live
independently, with community and social
support.
Moderate mental retardation

About 10 percent of the mentally retarded

population is considered moderately retarded.
Moderately retarded individuals have IQ scores
ranging from 35 to 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.
Severe mental retardation

About 3 to 4 percent of the mentally

retarded population is severely retarded.
Severely retarded individuals have IQ scores of
20 to 40. They may master very basic self-care
skills and some communication skills. Many
severely retarded individuals are able to live in a
group home.
Profound mental retardation

Only 1 to 2 percent of the mentally

retarded population is classified as profoundly
retarded. Profoundly retarded individuals have
IQ scores under 20 to 25. They may be able to
develop basic self-care and communication skills
with appropriate support and training. Their
retardation is often caused by an accompanying
neurological disorder. The profoundly retarded
need a high level of structure and supervision.
The American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR)
has developed another widely accepted diagnostic
classification system for mental retardation. The AAMR
classification system focuses on the capabilities of the
retarded individual rather than on the limitations. The
categories describe the level of support required. They are:
intermittent support, limited support, extensive support, and
pervasive support. Intermittent support, for example, is
support needed only occasionally, perhaps during times of
stress or crisis. It is the type of support typically required for
most mildly retarded individuals. At the other end of the
spectrum, pervasive support, or life-long, daily support for
most adaptive areas, would be required for profoundly
retarded individuals.
Causes and symptoms
Low IQ scores and limitations in adaptive
skills are the hallmarks of mental retardation.
Aggression, self-injury, and mood disorders are
sometimes associated with the disability. 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. In about 35
percent of cases, the cause of mental
retardation cannot be found. Biological and
environmental factors that can cause mental
retardation include genetics, prenatal illnesses
and issues, childhood illnesses and injuries, and
environmental factors.
Treatment
Federal legislation entitles mentally retarded
children to free testing and appropriate, individualized
education and skills training within the school system
from ages three to 21. For children under the age of
three, many states have established early intervention
programs that assess, recommend, and begin treatment
programs. Many day schools are available to help train
retarded children in basic skills such as bathing and
feeding themselves. Extracurricular activities and social
programs are also important in helping retarded children
and adolescents gain self-esteem .
Training in independent living and job skills is often
begun in early adulthood. The level of training
depends on the degree of retardation. Mildly retarded
individuals can often acquire the skills needed to live
independently and hold an outside job. Moderate to
profoundly retarded individuals usually require
supervised community living. Family therapy can help
relatives of the mentally retarded develop coping
skills. It can also help parents deal with feelings of
guilt or anger. A supportive, warm home environment
is essential to help the mentally retarded reach their
full potential. However, as of 2004, there is no cure
for mental retardation.
A promising but controversial treatment for mental retardation involves
stem cell research. In the early 2000s scientists are exploring the potential
of adult stem cells in treating mental retardation. They have transplanted
bone marrow cells into living embryos in the uteri of animals to approach
congenital diseases, birth defects, and mental retardation. Stem cells are
primitive cells that are capable of forming diverse types of tissue. Because
of this remarkable quality, human stem cells hold huge promise for the
development of therapies to regenerate damaged organs and heal people
who are suffering from terrible diseases. Embryonic stem cells are
derived from human embryos. Their use is controversial because such
stem cells cannot be used in research without destroying the living
embryo. Other sources of stem cells are available, however, and can be
harvested from umbilical cord blood as well as from fat, bone marrow,
and other adult tissue without harm to the donor. An enormous amount
of research involving adult stem cells is going on as of 2004 in
laboratories in the United States.
 The Prevalence of Mental Retardation

According to the most recent Annual Report to Congress on

the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act, there are 594,025 children with mental
retardation attending our schools. This group constitutes the
third largest category of children receiving special education
services. Using the IDEA and AAMR definitions and tables,
the number of children receiving special education under the
diagnostic category of mental retardation, and the
distribution of IQ scores, we can break down the entire
population of children with mental retardation into the
following distribution.
As you can see, individuals with mild mental
retardation represent the preponderance of
children, adolescents and adults in this
category.

Mild Mental Retardation.

Thus, using the IDEA and AAMR definitions
of mental retardation ,contemporary diagnostic
practice, and current population statistics, we
see that children with mild mental retardation:
• have IQ scores between 55-70,
• have deficits in at least 2 adaptive
skill areas,
• comprise approximately 85% of all
students with mental retardation
• account for approximately 504,921
students in our public schools, and
• would require limited supports in
their educational setting
 REFERENCE:
http://www.healthofchildren.com/M/
Mental-Retardation.html