EUNICE: Mental Retardation

Mental Retardation
***EUNICE
Definition:
Intellectual disability (ID), once called mental retardation, is characterized by below-average intelligence or
mental ability and a lack of skills necessary for day-to-day living. People with intellectual disabilities can and
do learn new skills, but they learn them more slowly. There are varying degrees of intellectual disability, from
mild to profound.
What is intellectual disability?
Someone with intellectual disability has limitations in two areas. These areas are:
 Intellectual functioning. Also known as IQ, this refers to a person’s ability to learn, reason, make
decisions, and solve problems.
 Adaptive behaviors. These are skills necessary for day-to-day life, such as being able to
communicate effectively, interact with others, and take care of oneself.
For References: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/intellectual-disability-mental-retardation#1

http://www.healthofchildren.com/M/Mental-Retardation.html
***LOVELY
Diagnosis:
To be diagnosed with ID, your child must have below average intellectual and adaptive skills. Your child’s
doctor will perform a three-part evaluation:
 interviews with you

 observations of your child
 standard tests
Your child will be given standard intelligence tests, such as the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test. This will
help the doctor determine your child’s IQ. The doctor may also administer other tests such as the
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. This test provides an assessment of your child’s daily living skills and
social abilities, compared to other children in the same age group.
It’s important to remember that children from different cultures and socioeconomic statuses may
perform differently on these tests. To form a diagnosis, your child’s doctor will consider the test results,
interviews with you, and observations of your child .
Your child’s evaluation process might include visits to specialists, who may include:
 psychologist
 speech pathologist
 social worker
 pediatric neurologist
 developmental pediatrician
 physical therapist
Laboratory and imaging tests may also be performed. These can help your child’s doctor detect
metabolic and genetic disorders, as well as structural problems with your child’s brain.
Other conditions, such as hearing loss, learning disorders, neurological disorders, and emotional
problems can also cause delayed development. Your child’s doctor should rule these conditions out
before diagnosing your child with ID.
You, your child’s school, and your doctor will use the results of these tests and evaluations to develop a
treatment and education plan for your child.
For References: https://www.healthline.com/symptom/mental-retardation

***FRAIZA
Levels of intellectual disability:
There are four different degrees of mental retardation: mild, moderate, severe, and profound. These
categories are based on the functioning level of the individual.
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.
For References: http://www.healthofchildren.com/M/Mental-Retardation.html
https://www.healthline.com/symptom/mental-retardation
***DAVE & APPLE

Symptoms of intellectual disability
Symptoms of ID will vary based on your child’s level of disability and may include:
 failure to meet intellectual standards

 sitting, crawling, or walking later than other children
 problems learning to talk or trouble speaking clearly
 memory problems
 inability to understand the consequences of actions
 inability to think logically
 childish behavior inconsistent with the child’s age
 lack of curiosity
 learning difficulties
 IQ below 70
 inability to lead a normal life due to challenges communicating, taking care of themselves, or
interacting with others
If your child has ID, they will probably experience some of the following behavioral issues:
 aggression
 dependency
 withdrawal from social activities
 attention-seeking behavior
 depression during adolescent and teen years
 lack of impulse control
 passivity
 tendency toward self-injury
 stubbornness
 low self-esteem
 low tolerance for frustration
 psychotic disorders
 difficulties paying attention
Some people with ID may also have specific physical characteristics. These can include having a short
stature or facial abnormalities.
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/intellectual-disability-mental-retardation#1
***FRANKLIN
CAUSES of ID:
Anytime something interferes with normal brain development, intellectual disability can result. However, a
specific cause for intellectual disability can only be pinpointed about a third of the time.
The most common causes of intellectual disability are:
 Genetic conditions. These include things like Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome.

 Problems during pregnancy. Things that can interfere with fetal brain development include alcohol
or drug use, malnutrition, certain infections, or preeclampsia.
 Problems during childbirth. Intellectual disability may result if a baby is deprived of oxygen during
childbirth or born extremely premature.
 Illness or injury. Infections like meningitis, whooping cough, or the measles can lead to intellectual
disability. Severe head injury, near-drowning, extreme malnutrition, infections in the brain, exposure
to toxic substances such as lead, and severe neglect or abuse can also cause it.
 None of the above. In two-thirds of all children who have intellectual disability, the cause is
unknown.

https://www.healthline.com/symptom/mental-retardation
***DINA
Prevention:
Certain causes of intellectual disability are preventable. The most common of these is fetal alcohol
syndrome. Pregnant women shouldn’t drink alcohol. Getting proper prenatal care, taking a prenatal
vitamin, and getting vaccinated against certain infectious diseases can also lower the risk that your child will
be born with intellectual disabilities.
In families with a history of genetic disorders, genetic testing may be recommended before conception.
Certain tests, such as ultrasound and amniocentesis, can also be performed during pregnancy to look for
problems associated with intellectual disability. Although these tests may identify problems before birth,
they cannot correct them.

***PATRICIA
Treatment options for ID:
Your child will probably need ongoing counseling to help them cope with their disability.
You will get a family service plan that describes your child’s needs. The plan will also detail the services
that your child will need to help them with normal development. Your family needs will also be
addressed in the plan.
When your child is ready to attend school, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be put in place
to help them with their educational needs. All children with ID benefit from special education. The
federal Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requires that public schools provide free and appropriate
education to children with ID and other developmental disabilities.
The main goal of treatment is to help your child reach their full potential in terms of education, social
skills, and life skills. Treatment may include behavior therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and in
some cases, medication.

***CRISSIA
What we do to help an intellectually disabled child?
Steps to help your intellectually disabled child include:
 Learn everything you can about intellectual disabilities. The more you know, the better advocate
you can be for your child.
 Encourage your child’s independence. Let your child try new things and encourage your child to do
things by himself or herself. Provide guidance when it’s needed and give positive feedback when
your child does something well or masters something new.
 Get your child involved in group activities. Taking an art class or participating in Scouts will help your
child build social skills.
 Stay involved. By keeping in touch with your child’s teachers, you’ll be able to follow his or her
progress and reinforce what your child is learning at school through practice at home.
 Get to know other parents of intellectually disabled children. They can be a great source of advice
and emotional support.

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Mental Retardation

What is intellectual disability?

For References: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/intellectual-disability-mental-retardation#1

 interviews with you

For References: https://www.healthline.com/symptom/mental-retardation

Mild mental retardation

Severe mental retardation

Profound mental retardation

***DAVE & APPLE

 failure to meet intellectual standards

The most common causes of intellectual disability are:

 Genetic conditions. These include things like Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome.

For References: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/intellectual-disability-mental-retardation#2

For References: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/intellectual-disability-mental-retardation#2

For References: https://www.healthline.com/symptom/mental-retardation

Steps to help your intellectually disabled child include:

For References: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/intellectual-disability-mental-retardation#3

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