Moderate to profoundly retarded individuals usually require supervised community living.
Only 1-2% of the mentally retarded population is classified as profoundly retarded.
The profoundly retarded need a high level of structure and supervision.
Profoundly retarded individuals have IQ scores under 20-25.
About 10% of the mentally retarded population is considered moderately retarded.
Moderately retarded individuals have IQ scores ranging from 35-55.
Mildly retarded people can live alone if necessary and often get married. Profoundly retarded people need caring in their whole life.
At the other end of the spectrum, pervasive support, or life-long, daily support for most adaptive areas, would be required for profoundly retarded individuals.
They can carry out work and self-care tasks with moderate supervision.
The outlook is not promising for those with severe to profound retardation. Studies have shown that these individuals have a shortened life expectancy.
Sharon Evans has written Reading achievement program for the moderately and severely retarded.
They may be able to develop basic self-care and communication skills with appropriate support and training.
They typically acquire communication skills in childhood and are able to live and function successfully within the community in a supervised environment such as a group home.