Mental retardation (MR) means a person has significantly
below average intelligence. A person who is mentally
retarded cannot easily change his behavior in response to
certain situations or demands.
There are four levels of MR: mild, moderate, severe, and
profound. These levels are measured using a standard test.
What is the cause?
Many medical conditions are associated with MR including:
abnormal brain development before birth
infections a pregnant mother has such as German measles
severe lack of oxygen at birth
metabolic diseases
genetic problems (such as Down syndrome and fragile X)
meningitis and encephalitis.
For most children, however, the exact cause of MR is never
found.
If you suspect your child has MR, talk to your health care
provider. Your provider may need to search for the cause.
Some disorders require special medical care. A genetic
problem may be discovered. If it is a genetic problem you
may want to talk to your provider before you decide to have
more children.
What kind of testing will my child have?
When your child is a baby, it is hard to figure out the
degree of retardation or predict how a child will develop
over time.
As your child grows, tests are used to measure how well your
child is developing compared to other children of the same
age. If your child's intellectual age is a lot lower than
your child's actual age, then he or she probably has mental
retardation.
In the preschool and school-age years, your child can be
given an IQ test. IQ stands for intelligence quotient. The
IQ test can show the degree of mental retardation. The test
helps predict how well your child will do academically and
socially. Your health care provider or other specialists
will figure out which tests are best for your child.
How will my child develop?
Most children with MR will learn new things but at a slower
pace than normal. You should give a child with MR
opportunities to learn.
Your child's ability to function mentally, physically, and
behaviorally depends on the severity of the MR. The following
levels of retardation, based on IQ, are estimates of how
well a person with MR will be able to function as a child
and as an adult.
Mild (IQ range 55 to 69): Preschool-age children with mild
MR often do not seem very different than other children to
most people. However, they are slower than most children to
walk, feed themselves, and talk. Children with mild MR,
when given special education, can learn practical skills and
useful reading and math to a 3rd- to 6th-grade level. As
adults, they can usually achieve social and job skills and
live by themselves. However, they may need some guidance
and support during times of unusual stress.
Moderate (IQ range 40 to 54): Preschool-age children with
moderate MR show noticeable delays in development of motor
skills and speech. Older children can learn simple
communication, health and safety habits, and self-help
skills. They are not able to gain useful reading or math
skills. As adults, they can do simple tasks under special
conditions and can travel alone in familiar places. They
usually cannot live completely by themselves.
Severe (IQ range 25 to 39): Preschool-age children with
severe MR have delays in motor development and little or no
communication skills. With training, these children may be
able to learn basic self-help skills, such as feeding
themselves and bathing. As they grow older they can usually
walk. They may have some understanding of speech and some
response to it. As adults, they can get used to routines,
but will need direction and supervision in a protective
environment.
Profound (IQ less than 24): Children with profound MR
frequently have other medical problems, such as cerebral
palsy, and may need nursing care. They have delays in all
areas of development. They show basic emotions and with
training, may be able to use their legs, hands, and jaws.
These children need close supervision. As adults they
usually have simple speech and may walk. They usually
benefit from regular physical activity. They are unable to
take care of themselves. Someone will need to give them
complete support for daily living.
How is MR treated?
There is no cure. Tests such as newborn screening for
phenylketonuria (PKU), hypothyroidism, and other
metabolic diseases can sometimes prevent MR.
Treatment focuses on educational, behavioral, and self-help
skills. It is helpful when MR is diagnosed early in a
child's life, so that therapy can begin as soon as possible.
However, it is never too late to begin.
Most states offer Early Intervention Programs (EIP) for
children aged 0 to 3 years with MR. Some states also offer
special classes to children between the ages of 3 and
5 years who have special needs. By law, all states are
required to provide special education classes for school-age
children with MR through 21 years of age. Every school
board must tell parents their rights and follow the laws.
The school must develop an Individual Educational Plan (IEP)
for each child requiring special education. This plan
includes:
The plan must be agreed upon by both the parent and the
school.
Parents of children with MR often hear of new and different
treatments through the media or friends. Your provider can
help you decide if these treatments could help or harm your
child.
Where can my family get help and support?
When parents hear for the first time that their child is
mentally retarded, they can feel grief, anger, guilt, and
many other emotions. Many families find that professional
counseling helps them to cope with this upsetting news. A
child's disability affects the entire family, including
brothers and sisters. Many times parents also need
guidance on how to tell relatives their child has MR. Your
health care provider and local organizations can direct you
to therapists and parent support groups that can help you
and your family deal with these important issues.
