MENTAL RETARDATION

Presenter :
SHYN
Mental Retardation
• Characterized by “significantly sub
average intellectual functioning”
AND “concurrent deficits or
impairments in adaptive
functioning.”
– Sub average = below 70 (Mean = 100,
SD = 15)
• VERY IMPORTANT – low IQ is not
sufficient evidence of mental
retardation. Necessary, but not
sufficient.
Definition of Mental
retardation

• Mental retardation: A term used when a person

has certain limitations in mental functioning and
in skills such as communicating, taking care of
him or herself, and social skills. These limitations
will cause a child to learn and develop more
slowly than a typical child. Children with mental
retardation may take longer to learn to speak,
walk, and take care of their personal needs such
as dressing or eating. They are likely to have
trouble learning in school. They will learn, but it
will take them longer. There may be some things
they cannot learn. As many as 3 out of every 100
people have mental retardation. In fact, 1 out of
every 10 children who need special education has
some form of mental retardation.
Causes of Mental
Retardation
•Prenatal Alcohol Syndrome
•Downs Syndrome
•Fragile X Syndrome
•Traumatic injury to brain
•Central nervous system
maligancy
Classification of mental
retardation
• Mild retardation
• Moderate retardation
• Severe retardation
• Profound retardation
Mild retardation
• 75% to 90% of all cases of
retardation
• IQ level is 50% to 70%
• Slow in all areas
• May have no unusual physical signs
• Can acquire practical skills
• Useful reading and math skills up to
grades 3 to 6 level
• Can conform socially
• Can acquire vocational skills for self
maintenance
• Integrated into general society
Moderate retardation
• ~10% to 25% of all cases of
retardation
• IQ level is 35 to 49
• Noticeable delays especially in
speech
• May have some unusual physical
signs
• Can learn simple communication
• Can learn elementary health and
safety habits
• Can perform tasks in sheltered
condition
• Can travel alone to familiar places
Severe retardation

• ~10% to 25% of all cases of

retardation
• IQ level is 20 to 34
• Marked and obvious delays may walk
late
• Little or no communication skills but
may have some understanding of
speech and show some response
• May be trained in simple self-care
Profound retardation
• ~10% to 25% of all cases of retardation
• IQ level is <20
• Marked delays in all areas
• Congenital abnormalities often present
• Need close supervision
• Often need attendant care
• May respond to regular physical activity
and social stimulation
• Not capable of self-care
Common syndrome associated
with MR
• Down syndrome
• Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Fragile X syndrome
• Velocariofacial syndrome
Assessment

• Who should assess for MR

Speech therapist

Psychiatrist

Psychologist

Neuropsychologist
Does Malingering Affect
Assessment of Mental
Retardation?
• Mental Illness and brain injury vs.
mental retardation

• No research to support malingering

in mental retardation
How Do Cultural/Language
Issues Impact Assessment?
• Certain I.Q. tests may be invalid for non-
english speaking persons.

• Cultural bias on I.Q. tests is minimal for

english speaking ethnic groups.

• Assessment of adaptive skills may require

access to natural environment.

• Evaluator and/or interpreter must be able

to communicate effectively with person.
What Other Conditions Can
Affect The Assessment Of
Mental Retardation?

• Psychiatric Impairment

• Physical disability

• Sensory Impairment
ASSESSMENT TOOLS ARE USED
IN MR
• 3DLAT
Treatment of MR
• The primary goal of treatment is to
develop the person's potential to the
fullest. Special education and training may
begin as early as infancy. This includes
social skills to help the person function as
normally as possible.
• It is important for a specialist to evaluate
the person for other affective disorders
and treat those disorders. Behavioral
approaches are important for people with
mental retardation.
THANK YOU