Mental Retardation Is Generally Understood

Mental retardation is generally understood as a condition that affects the mental and cognitive functioning of the individual and reduces social and learning skills. The prevalence of mental retardation is relatively high in developed countries and this can lead to various problems in terms of care and treatment. It can have far-reaching consequences for the healthcare system and society, as well as for the family or caregivers that live with or treat the retarded individuals. On the other hand it is important to realize that there are many different degrees and types of mental retardation. Those with mild to moderate retardation generally have a good prognosis in term of treatment and functioning in society. A growing awareness of the causes and the ways in which this condition can be treated has resulted in a better understanding of the condition and has provided more avenues for enabling the mild to moderate mentally retarded individual to integrate and function in society.

Introduction

Mental retardation is a term that is generally used to describe an individual who has "...certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communicating, taking care of him or herself, and social skills" (Mental Retardation: Fact Sheet 8). This condition is particularly associated with developmental issues, especially in children. For example a child who is mentally retarded will often have difficulty in learning to speak or walk and in normal developmental activities, such as dressing and eating. (Mental Retardation: Fact Sheet 8)

This condition is also associated with various learning difficulties. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines mental retardation as follows;.".. significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period, that adversely affects a child's educational performance" (Definitions of Mental Retardation: A Chronological List with Dates and References).

An important aspect of understanding mental retardation is that there are many levels and degrees of retardation that have different consequences and treatment options.

Mental retardation is usually divided into categories such as mild mental retardation, moderate mental retardation, severe mental retardation and profound mental retardation. For instance, mild mental retardation has been found to affect approximately eight-five percent of people who fall onto the category of being mentally retarded; while severe mental retardation affects about three to four percent of these individuals, compared to between one and two percent who are identified with profound mental retarded and who have an IQ level of les than 25. (Mental Retardation: Developmental Disability)

1.1. Prevalence

While mental retardation is a fact in society, what is of cardinal significance is the prevalence and the range of this condition and the effect or impact that it has on the lives of these who suffer from this condition as well as those who are close to and supportive of them. It is estimated that as many as three out of every one-hundred people in the United Sates has a form of mental retardation or can be classified as being mentally retarded. The Twenty-fourth Annual Report to Congress, U.S. Department of Education, 2002 states that, "Nearly 613,000 children ages 6 to 21 have some level of mental retardation and need special education in school... In fact, 1 out of every 10 children who need special education has some form of mental retardation" (Mental Retardatino: Fact Sheet 8). Furthermore, there are an estimated seven million Americans who have some form of mental retardation. (Goldstein and Shapiro, 2007)

2. Signs and symptoms

There are a number of common symptoms and indications of mental retardation. These include signs such as continued infantile behavior; a decrease in learning ability and a failure to meet intellectual developmental markers as well as the individual's inability to meet the educational demands at school, and a lack curiosity. (Mental retardation: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia)

There are further sign that are important as an early indication of retardation in very young children. These are important as identifying retardation at an early age can help in the remedial process and in the prevention of further retardation. The signs include children who sit up, crawl, or walk later than other children;

learn to talk later, or have trouble speaking, find it hard to remember things, not understand how to pay for things, have trouble understanding social rules, have trouble seeing the consequences of their actions, have trouble solving problems, and/or have trouble thinking logically.

Mental Retardation: Fact Sheet 8)

However, it should also be realized that more than eighty percent of people who are classified as having mental retardation will fall into the mild category and will be "...only be a little slower than average in learning new information and skills" (Mental Retardation: Fact Sheet 8).

On the other hand those with an IQ below fifty percent will experience learning difficulties as well as various problems in adapting to society and in interacting in the community. This leads to various problems, which includes the extent to which these individuals are able to ingrate and lead a normal life. This leads in turn to two important and related issues: the affect on society and how the illness or condition affects the family.

It is a well - known fact that caring for a mentally retarded child can be very stressful for the family. This can also be problematic in terms of the social system, as a severely mentally retarded person may have difficulty in integrating and being accepted in society and so place a strain on that society's resources. However, recent awareness and knowledge about the mentally retarded has meant that these individuals are better understood and very often the less severely retarded are incorporated into society as functioning individuals..

3. Causes

There are many causes that have been put forward by doctors and medical specialists for mental retardation. One of the most common causes given for this condition is genetic inheritance. There is strong evidence that the cause of retardation is a result of abnormal genes inherited from the parents of the individual. (Mental Retardation: Fact Sheet 8). Examples are Down syndrome, and fragile X syndrome. (Mental Retardation: Fact Sheet 8)

Another cause for this condition is problems that occur during pregnancy. "For example, there may be a problem with the way the baby's cells divide as it grows. A woman who drinks alcohol or gets an infection like rubella during pregnancy may also have a baby with mental retardation" (Mental Retardation: Fact Sheet 8). This is also related to cases where retardation is caused by the baby not receiving enough oxygen during labor, resulting in brain damage and consequent retardation.

Another common cause is various health issues and problems that can affect the child. For example, if the young child contacts an illness like measles this can lead to forms of retardation. This can also occur as a result of diseases like whooping cough or meningitis.

4. Treatment

Treatment of course depends on the severity of the retardation but in general treatment is usually based on individualized plans based on the needs and skills level of the individual. (Mental Retardation) as one study notes, "Some forms of mental retardation can be treated. These are cases that are caused by medical problems, such as hyperthyroidism. In most cases, however, no treatment can change a person's basic intellectual capabilities" (Mental Retardation: Free Health Encyclopedia). Early intervention programs are also a common first stage in the treatment protocols of the mentally retarded. These programs are intended in the first instance to assess the level of the mentally retarded child.

A central concept in the treatment of this condition is the support of the family. The needs of the family who have a mentally retarded child also have to be taken into consideration.

The most important component of any treatment program is the love and support of the family. Most families with a mentally retarded child benefit from family therapy and support groups that help the family cope with the day-to-day demands of raising a child with special needs.

(Mental Retardation)

This refers again to the above-mentioned impact that the mentally retarded individual can have on the family. Therefore, family therapy is often an important component of the overall treatment strategy in dealing with the mentally retarded individual.

Treatment may also include family therapy. The purpose of family therapy is to help family members understand the nature of mental retardation. It also helps them develop skills for dealing with the special needs of a retarded child. Parents may also receive counseling to help them deal with feelings of anger or guilt.

Mental Retardation: Free Health Encyclopedia)

5. Prognosis

Prognosis is dependent on the level and degree of retardation. Those individuals with mild or moderate retardation generality have a good prognosis. These people often become self-sufficient and their general situation can improve with treatment and therapy. However, "...they may require some educational, community, social, family, and vocational support" (Mental Retardation: Free Health Encyclopedia). On the other hand, those individuals with severe or profound degrees of retardation have a less positive prognosis. They often have a shortened life expectancy and have related and concomitant medical problems. They very seldom become fully integrated into society or become independent. (Mental Retardation: Free Health Encyclopedia)