In general, mentally retarded children reach developmental milestones such as walking and talking much later than the general population.
Developing mental skills slowly. Developing slowly. Not always mental skills.
Mental retardation and autism are both developmental disorders that affect cognitive abilities, but they have distinct characteristics. Mental retardation is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors, while autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Individuals with mental retardation may have difficulty learning and performing everyday tasks, while those with autism may struggle with social skills and communication. It is important to note that each condition is unique and may require different approaches to support and treatment.
Ellen F. Lederman has written: 'Making life more livable' -- subject(s): Older people, Services for, Directories, Life skills guides 'Developmental toys and equipment' -- subject(s): Educational toys, Child development, Play, Equipment and supplies, Motor ability in children 'Occupational therapy in mental retardation' -- subject(s): Care, Mental retardation, Occupational therapy, People with mental disabilities, Rehabilitation
Some cases of mild mental retardation are not diagnosed before the child enters preschool. These children typically have difficulties with social, communication, and functional academic skills.
We have to be very careful with this, because mental retardation cannot be diagnosed knowing only a person's standard IQ score. There must also be serious impairment in two areas of adaptive behavior. If a person can communicate with others, take care of her/himself in regard to daily living activities, and if the person has good social skills, then mental retardation is not an appropriate label for that person. Generally, an IQ below 70 would also be part of the diagnostic picture for someone dealing with mental retardation.
The formal definition of mental retardation, now more commonly referred to as intellectual disability, includes three key elements: significant limitations in intellectual functioning (typically an IQ score below 70), deficits in adaptive functioning that impact daily life skills, and the onset of these limitations during the developmental period (before age 18). These criteria ensure that the diagnosis encompasses both cognitive abilities and the ability to function effectively in society.
Medical Encyclopedia: Mental Retardation Definition Mental retardation is a developmental disability that first appears in children under the age of 18. It is defined as an intellectual functioning level (as measured by standard tests for intelligence quotient) that is well below average and significant limitations in daily living skills (adaptive functioning). Description Mental retardation occurs in 2.5-3% of the general population. About 6-7.5 million mentally retarded individuals live in the United States alone. Mental retardation begins in childhood or adolescence before the age of 18. In most cases, it persists throughout adulthood. A diagnosis of mental retardation is made if an individual has an intellectual functioning level well below average and significant limitations in two or more adaptive skill areas. Intellectual functioning level is defined by standardized tests that measure the ability to reason in terms of mental age (intelligence quotient or IQ). Mental retardation is defined as IQ score below 70-75. Dictionary: mental retardation n. Subnormal intellectual development as a result of congenital causes, brain injury, or disease and characterized by any of various cognitive deficiencies, including impaired learning, social, and vocational ability. Also called mental deficiency. Neurological Disorder: Mental retardation Definition Mental retardation (MR) is a developmental disability that first appears in children under the age of 18. It is defined as a level of intellectual functioning (as measured by standard intelligence tests) that is well below average and results in significant limitations in the person's daily living skills (adaptive functioning). Sci-Tech Encyclopedia: Mental retardation A developmental disability characterized by significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning, with concurrent deficits in adaptive behavior. The causes are many and include both genetic and environmental factors as well as interactions between the two. In most cases the diagnosis is not formally made until children have entered into school settings. In the preschool years, the diagnosis is more likely to be established by evidence of delayed maturation in the areas of sensory-motor, adaptive, cognitive, social, and verbal behaviors. By definition, evidence of mental retardation must exist prior to adulthood, where vocational limitation may be evident, but the need for supervision or support may persist beyond the usual age of social emancipation. http://www.answers.com/mentally%20retarded
rapidly developing physical, social, and mental skills. A+
Affected children with Hurler syndrome lose previously attained skills (milestones) and eventually suffer from profound mental retardation
mental retardation, loss of previously acquired motor skills, feeding difficulties, abnormal muscle tone, paralysis, blindness, or seizures may occur.
The communication skills depend on the amount of retardation and education that the person receives.
Signs/symptoms include failure to thrive, optic atrophy, nystagmus, pigmentary retinopathy, abnormal respiratory patterns, respiratory failure, hypotonia, psychomotor retardation, ataxia, dystonia , spasticity, brainstem lesions, and mental retardation