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Mental Retardation . By: Jolene Swoverland. Definition. A condition diagnosed before the age of 18 that includes below-average general intellectual function and the lack of skills necessary for daily living Also called intellectual and developmental disability. Causes.
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Mental Retardation By: Jolene Swoverland
Definition • A condition diagnosed before the age of 18 that includes below-average general intellectual function and the lack of skills necessary for daily living • Also called intellectual and developmental disability
Causes • Many causes but doctors find a specific reason in only 25% of cases • Examples: • Infections- meningitis, HIV, rubella • Chromosomal Abnormalities • Environmental • Genetic-PKU, Tay-Sachs disease • Metabolic-poorly regulated diabetes • Nutritional-malnutrition
Symptoms • Continued infant like behavior • Decreased learning ability • Failure to meet markers of intellectual development • Inability to meet educational demands at school • Lack of curiosity • Learn to crawl, sit up or walk later • Learn more slowly
Mild Mental Retardation • IQ of 50-69 • Capable of learning reading and math skills to the level of a child 9-12 • Can learn self-care and practical skills
Moderate Mental Retardation • IQ 35-49 • Nearly always apparent within first years of life • Speech delays common • Can learn simple health and safety skills and participate in simple activities
Diagnosis • Must meet three criteria: • An IQ below 70 • Significant limitations in two or more areas of adaptive behavior • Evidence that the limitations become apparent before the age of 18
How needs are met • Teachers attend workshops • Day camps for disabled children • Fully staffed residential homes • School programs to help them get a job in the community
Qualifications • IQ scores • Adaptive functioning-skills needed to live independently • Evidence that the limitations become apparent in childhood
References www.health.nytimes.com http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_retardation