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Mental retardation is characterized by deficits in cognitive ability and behavior required for social and personal sufficiency. Competency of performance of every day task and intellectual functioning decide the level of mental retardation. There are four levels of mental retardation.
Mild mental retardation may not be diagnosed in till age of 3 years. When a child starts going to school, he may show adequate social skills and communication. But they face problems in abstract reasoning and other higher cognitive abilities. They may perform academically well on elementary level. Vocational training helps them to raise their families.
Moderate mental retardation is diagnosed in early childhood. They face problems in development of communication skills. They show limited academic achievement. Individual attention to these children may help them to develop self help skills. They need supervision but may perform occupational task with support.
Severe mental retardation is diagnosed in early childhood. They are not able to achieve their developmental milestones. Their speech is minimal and poor motor development articulate. These children are not able to express their needs; hence high level of supervision is needed.
Children with profound mental retardation have very limited communication and motor skills. Their cognitive ability is impaired and cannot develop self help skills. Hence continuous and high level of supervision is needed.
How common is it?
About 2 cases from every hundred people meet the criteria for mental retardation. From population of mentally retarded, 85% are found to be having mild mental retardation (IQ 50- 70). Moderate mental retardation is found to be in 10% of mentally retarded people (IQ 35- 50). Population of severe mental retardation is 4% (IQ- 20- 35) and profound mental retardation is 1-2% (below 20).
Who can help you?
What can be done?
Education for the child Self help skills, social skills and vocational training is important for mentally retarded children. Special attention for communication skills and to improve quality of life is needed.
Behavioral and psychodynamic therapies
Children with mental retardation show behavioral issues such as aggressiveness, stubbornness. Behavior therapy is used to control aggressiveness and enhance social behavior skills. Psycho education for family is very important to reduce stress of family members.
Family education
Psycho education for family members of mentally retarded child is essential. Due to lack of knowledge about mental retardation, family members cannot help the child in proper way. Many a times they have conflicts in expectations and result. They also need to deal with their stress, depression, rage and guilt. Support for these families is very essential.
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Basil Wellness
Understanding Your Health
http://www.basilwellness.com/
Contact US: 91 22 41227500
91 22 41227501
Email: [email protected]
Mild mental retardation may not be diagnosed in till age of 3 years. When a child starts going to school, he may show adequate social skills and communication. But they face problems in abstract reasoning and other higher cognitive abilities. They may perform academically well on elementary level. Vocational training helps them to raise their families.
Moderate mental retardation is diagnosed in early childhood. They face problems in development of communication skills. They show limited academic achievement. Individual attention to these children may help them to develop self help skills. They need supervision but may perform occupational task with support.
Severe mental retardation is diagnosed in early childhood. They are not able to achieve their developmental milestones. Their speech is minimal and poor motor development articulate. These children are not able to express their needs; hence high level of supervision is needed.
Children with profound mental retardation have very limited communication and motor skills. Their cognitive ability is impaired and cannot develop self help skills. Hence continuous and high level of supervision is needed.
How common is it?
About 2 cases from every hundred people meet the criteria for mental retardation. From population of mentally retarded, 85% are found to be having mild mental retardation (IQ 50- 70). Moderate mental retardation is found to be in 10% of mentally retarded people (IQ 35- 50). Population of severe mental retardation is 4% (IQ- 20- 35) and profound mental retardation is 1-2% (below 20).
Who can help you?
- Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
- Special Educator
What can be done?
Education for the child Self help skills, social skills and vocational training is important for mentally retarded children. Special attention for communication skills and to improve quality of life is needed.
Behavioral and psychodynamic therapies
Children with mental retardation show behavioral issues such as aggressiveness, stubbornness. Behavior therapy is used to control aggressiveness and enhance social behavior skills. Psycho education for family is very important to reduce stress of family members.
Family education
Psycho education for family members of mentally retarded child is essential. Due to lack of knowledge about mental retardation, family members cannot help the child in proper way. Many a times they have conflicts in expectations and result. They also need to deal with their stress, depression, rage and guilt. Support for these families is very essential.
-
Basil Wellness
Understanding Your Health
http://www.basilwellness.com/
Contact US: 91 22 41227500
91 22 41227501
Email: [email protected]
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