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Mental retardation
is a disorder characterized by below-average general intellectual functioning and a lack of skills necessary for daily living. It is most always diagnosed before age 18. Mental illness is not a disease, it is not contagious, it is not a type of mental illness. The term “mental retardation” is a diagnostic term used to capture and standardize a group of disconnected categories of mental functioning derived from early IQ tests. Today, the term “mental retardation” is often replaced with other terms such as “mentally challenged,” and “intellectual disability.” However, “intellectual disability” may also be used to describe people with significantly below-average cognitive abilities that are not an emotional or psychological disability, such as traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer’s disease. In North America, mental retardation is included under the broader umbrella term “developmental disability,” which also includes epilepsy, autism, cerebral palsy and other disorders that develop before age 18. However, in school-based settings, the more specific term “mental retardation” is usually still used to describe the disability. Mental retardation is one of 13 categories of disability under which children may be identified for special education services under Public Law 108-446. Children with mental retardation can learn to do many things - it just takes longer and more effort than the average child.
Professionals diagnose mental retardation by carefully looking at a person’s mental abilities and adaptive skills. Providing services to help individuals with mental retardation has led to a new understanding of how to define the condition. After the initial diagnosis of mental retardation is made, a person's strengths and weaknesses are carefully studied. Then, professionals can determine how much support or help the person needs to get along at home, in school, and in the community. This approach gives a realistic picture of each individual. It also recognizes that the "picture" can change as the person grows and learns, and their ability to function in the world grows as well.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, there are three criteria for a diagnosis of mental retardation to be made:
An IQ below 70
Significant limitations in two or more areas of adaptive behavior
Evidence that the limitations became apparent before the age of 18.
Mild disability ( IQ 60-70) in early childhood may not be obvious. It almost always takes expert assessment to distinguish between mild mental disability and learning disability or behavior problems. People with mild mental retardation can often learn to live independently and may be considered by others in their community as “slow” rather than retarded. Moderate disability (IQ 50-60) is usually always obvious within the first few years of life. As adults, these people may live with their parents or in a supportive group home. Among people with mental retardation, only about one in eight will have a severe disability (IQ below 50.) This person will need more support and supervision their entire life. It is important to remember, however, that every child, regardless of the limitations of their cognitive functioning, is able to learn, develop and grow to some extent.
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