Information From Your Health Care Provider

MENTAL RETARDATION

(Intellectual Disability)

Basic information

description

Mental retardation is below average, general intellectual functioning along with an inability to adapt to the normal aspects of daily life in a person under age 18. Intellectual functioning is typically measured by an intelligence quotient (IQ) test (if the person can take an IQ test). Those with mental retardation score 70 to 75 or below. The normal range is 80 to 130 (100 is average). Retardation is classified as mild (IQ 50 to 70), moderate (IQ 35 to 49), severe (20 to 34), or profound (IQ less than 20). Mild retardation is the most common form (over 80% of cases). Mildly retarded children may not be identified until they start school. Profoundly and severely retarded children are often diagnosed at birth. Males are affected more than females.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Failure to meet developmental milestones. These are physical and behavioral signs of development or maturation of infants and children.
Persistence of infantile behavior.
Lack of curiosity; decreased learning ability.
Inability to meet educational demands of school.
Problems with communication and self-care.
Behaviors may include: being aggressive, dependent, passive, stubborn; having low self-esteem, injures self; frustrates easily; mood disorders; attention difficulties.
Physical traits may include: shortness in size, malformed ears and eyes, seizures, and birthmarks.

causes

Genetic: inborn errors of metabolism or chromosome disorders. Down syndrome is the most frequent genetic disorder causing mental retardation.
Intrauterine: congenital infections, placental-fetal malfunction, complications of pregnancy (infections, preeclampsia, eclampsia, maternal alcohol or drug abuse or poor diet).
Perinatal (just before the birth): prematurity, postmaturity, birth injury, and metabolic disorders.
Postnatal (after birth): endocrine or metabolic disorders, infection, trauma, toxic, and other causes of brain damage, or abuse.

risk increases with

Risk factors are related to the causes.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Genetic counseling and prenatal genetic testing for families with a history of mental retardation.
During pregnancy, get good prenatal care; eat healthy; avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs of abuse.
Screening of newborns for metabolic disorders.
Protect children from injury, poisoning, or abuse.

expected outcomes

Mildly retarded people can learn to lead independent, productive lives.
Moderately retarded people are trainable. They often require protective care (such as a group home).
More severely and profoundly retarded people usually require continuous care.

possible complications

Emotional and behavioral problems in the child.
Stresses placed on the family.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your child's health care provider will do a physical exam and certain mental tests (if the child is old enough) to help with the diagnosis. You will be asked about your own observation of signs in your child.
Goals are to develop the child's potential to the fullest. Retardation cannot be reversed, but much can be done to help the child function as normally as possible. Beginning in infancy, special education with social and behavioral training can enhance the child's skills.
The diagnosis has a profound effect on the family. It will affect every aspect of their lives. Counseling and/or spiritual support are both helpful for parents to learn to accept and cope. Joining a support group for families of children with mental retardation can help also.
To learn more: The Arc of the United States, 1010 Wayne Ave., Suite 650, Silver Springs, MD 20910; (800) 433-5255; website: www.thearc.org.

medications

Drugs for medical problems such as seizures may be prescribed. In general, care of a retarded person is educational, not medical.

activity

As fully active as a child's physical condition permits.

diet

No special diet.

notify our office if

You are concerned with your child's development.
New symptoms occur or you feel unable to cope.