Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Meaning…
Mental retardation refers to substantial
limitations in present functioning and it
manifests before the age of 18.
(Sheerenberger (1983))
Mental retardation (MR) refers to
significantly sub average general
intelligence that causes major
difficulties in activities of daily
living, and has manifested by age
18.
CLASSIFICATION
MILD MENTAL RETARDATION
Approximately 85% of the mentally
retarded population.
Their IQ score ranges from 50–70,
They can often acquire academic
skills up to about the sixth-grade level.
They can become fairly self-sufficient
and in some cases live independently,
with community and social support.
MODERATE MENTAL RETARDATION
About 10% of the mentally retarded
population
Their IQ scores ranging from 35–55.
They can carry out work and self-care
tasks with moderate supervision.
They typically acquire communication
skills in childhood and are able to live
and function successfully within the
community in such supervised
environments as group homes.
SEVERE MENTAL RETARDATION
MR is formally diagnosed by
professional assessment of
intelligence and adaptive behaviour.
DSM –IV diagnostic criteria
a) An IQ below 70
b) Significant limitations in two or
more areas of adaptive behaviour (as
measured by an adaptive behaviour
rating scale, i.e. communication, self-
help skills, interpersonal skills, and
more)
c) Evidence that the limitations
became apparent before the age of
18
American Association of Mental
Retardation,
(classification on the basis of ICD
10 and DSM –IV)
Class IQ
Family instability
Teenage pregnancies
Mental disorder in parents
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY