Refer older children (older than 3 years) diagnosed with mental retardation who are too old for early intervention program (EIP) to preschool programs for children with disabilities (PPCD)
Yolanda Lewis-Ragland MD
What to Do – Take Action
What Is Mental Retardation?
Mental retardation (MR) is a term used to describe limitations in mental functioning and skills such as communicating, personal care, and social skills. These limitations will cause a child to learn and develop more slowly than a typical child. Children with MR may take longer to learn to speak, walk, and perform activities of daily living such as dressing or eating. They are likely to have trouble learning in school, having an inability to learn certain things and taking longer to learn things that they can learn.
How Is Mental Retardation Diagnosed?
To diagnose MR, professionals look at the person’s intellectual functioning and adaptive skills. Intellectual functioning is usually measured by a test called an IQ (intelligence quotient) test. The average score is 100. People scoring <70 to 75 have MR. To measure adaptive behavior, professionals compare the child to other children of his or her age. Certain skills are important to adaptive behavior. These are:
Daily living skills, such as getting dressed, going to the bathroom, and feeding one’s self
Communication skills, such as understanding what is said and being able to answer
Social skills with peers, family members, adults, and others.
Approximately 87% of people with MR will have slower than average learning of new information and skills. When they are children, their limitations may not be obvious. They may not even be diagnosed with MR until they get to school. As adults, many people with mild MR can live independently. Others may not even be considered as having MR. The remaining 13% of people with MR score below 50 on IQ tests. These people experience difficulty in school, at home, and in the community. People with more severe
MR will need intensive support for their entire life. Every child with MR is able to learn, develop, and grow. With help, all children with MR can live a satisfying life.
MR will need intensive support for their entire life. Every child with MR is able to learn, develop, and grow. With help, all children with MR can live a satisfying life.
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