Mental Retardation

Mental retardation is defined by sub-average intellectual ability. General intelligence quotient (IQ) scores for mentally retarded individuals are, by definition, seventy (70) or below. By definition, this score is set two standard deviations below the average IQ of 100, and only occurs about 2.5 percent of the time when considered against the entire distribution of IQ scores in the population. Because of these intellectual deficits, mentally retarded individuals' ability to learn is impaired. Language processing and logical thinking deficits are often present, as are impairments in reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Mental retardation interferes with language processing and impairs judgment and analytical skills.

Mental Retardation is a diagnostic classification denoting significantly low intellectual functioning or other brain functioning problems. It is not a disease in of itself.
Classification of mental retardation indicates that developmental immaturities are present in the form of intellectual deficits, and often emotional deficits as well. This immaturity interferes with an individual's ability to function at age-appropriate levels and makes independent living a challenging proposition. A mentally retarded individual's cognitive abilities are impaired. This means that they acquire new information slowly and have difficulty understanding complex concepts.

There are many degrees of mental retardation. Individuals who are severely retarded are able to learn only the most basic self care skills. Those who are mildly retarded are able to learn so much that, as adults, some are no longer being identified as being retarded. There are three common classification of mental retardation. They are as follows:
Mildly (Educable) Mental Age 8-12 they can learn to approximately sixth grade
Moderately (Trainable) Mental Age 5-8 they are not able to learn academic subjects in school.
Severely profoundly they require supervision and much life long care. And are often confined to institutions

They are many causes of mental retardation but, not all of the causes are known. However more than 200 have been identified and many others are suspected. The known causes can be placed into five categories:

1. Genetics Irregularities- incompatibility of genes inherited from parents
2. Pregnancy Complications- poor nutrition, tumors, mental retardation is a result when something goes wrong with the baby’s development in the womb. Exposure to alcohol and rubella during pregnancy can also be a cause of mental retardation
3. Birth Problems- premature birth, too rapid birth, prolong birth or any circumstance that reduces the oxygen supply to the infant.
4. Early Child Problems- Early childhood diseases such as the chicken pox, measles, meningitis, and severe injuries to the brain. Mental retardation can also be cause by lack of malnutrition.
5. Environmental Factors-being born and raised in a deprived environment where there is little opportunity to learn, or serious emotional problems.

Many mentally retarded children will need help with adaptive skills, which are daily living skills needed to survive, work and interact in the community. Teachers and parents can a child work on these skills at both school and home. Some of these skills include

Communicating with others
Taking care of personal needs (dressing, bathing, going to the bathroom)
Health and Safety
Home living (helping to set the table, cooking dinner, or cleaning the house)
Social Skills (manners, knowing the rules of a conversation, getting along in a group, or just playing a simply game. Reading, writing, and basic math that will help them as they get older; and skills that will help them in the workplace.

Specific Technology
Education: The computer can be a tool for improved literacy, language development, mathematical, organizational, and social skill development. Alternative ways to access computers are available for people who cannot operate a keyboard. Software can be regulated so it runs at a slower pace if a person needs this type of modification.

Mary Beirne- Smith, Richard F. Ittenbach and James R. Patton Mental Retardation 6th Edition June 5, 2001

Mary Beirne- Smith, Shannon H. Kim and James R. Patton Mental Retardation an Introduction to Intellectual Disability 7th Edition August 5, 2005

Heward, Williams L, Exceptional Children an Introduction to Special Education. New Jersey: Pearson Education. Inc. 2009

http://www.childpsychologist.com/mod/resource/view.php?id=11
Families of children with emotional disturbances may need help in understanding their children's condition and in learning how to work effectively with them. Help is available from psychiatrists, psychologists or other mental health professionals in public or private mental health settings.

http://ssw.unc.edu/fcrp/cspn/vol9_no2/ref_v9n2.htm
References for the Issue on Working with Parents Who Have Cognitive Limitations