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Mental Retardation
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What is Intellectual disability / Mental Retardation?
If your child has an intellectual disability (ID), their brain hasn’t developed properly or has been injured in some way. Their brain may also not function within the normal range of both intellectual and adaptive functioning. In the past, medical professionals called this condition “mental retardation.”
There are four levels of ID:
- mild
- moderate
- severe
- profound
ID involves both a low IQ and problems adjusting to everyday life. There may also be learning, speech, social, and physical disabilities.
Causes of intellectual disability
Doctors can’t always identify a specific cause of ID, but causes of ID can include:
- trauma before birth, such as an infection or exposure to alcohol, drugs, or other toxins
- trauma during birth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature delivery
- inherited disorders, such as phenylketonuria (PKU) or Tay-Sachs disease
- chromosome abnormalities, such as Down syndrome
- lead or mercury poisoning
- severe malnutrition or other dietary issues
- severe cases of early childhood illness, such as whooping cough, measles, or meningitis
- brain injury
To be diagnosed with ID, your child must have below-average intellectual and adaptive skills. Your child’s doctor will perform a three-part evaluation that includes:
- interviews with you
- observations of your child
- standard tests
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ID, your child must have below-average intellectual and adaptive skills. Your child’s doctor will perform a three-part evaluation that includes:
- interviews with you
- observations of your child
- standard tests
Your child will be given standard intelligence tests, such as the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test. This will help the doctor determine your child’s IQ.
The doctor may also administer other tests such as the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. This test provides an assessment of your child’s daily living skills and social abilities, compared to other children in the same age group.
It’s important to remember that children from different cultures and socioeconomic statuses may perform differently on these tests. To form a diagnosis, your child’s doctor will consider the test results, interviews with you, and observations of your child.
Treating Mental Retardation
Your child will probably need ongoing counseling to help them cope with their disability.
You will get a family service plan that describes your child’s needs. The plan will also detail the services that your child will need to help them with normal development. Your family needs will also be addressed in the plan.
When your child is ready to attend school, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be put in place to help them with their educational needs. All children with ID benefit from special education.
The federal Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requires that public schools provide free and appropriate education to children with ID and other developmental disabilities.
The main goal of treatment is to help your child reach their full potential in terms of:
- education
- social skills
- life skills
Treatment may include:
- behavior therapy
- occupational therapy
- counseling
- medication, in some cases
