Intellectual Disability (Mental Retardation)

Depending on the IQ level of a child, most children diagnosed with mild mental retardation will start experiencing scholastic problems from about Grade 3 to Grade 6. This is mostly because the academic level of school work starts requiring increased abstract thinking and complex cognitive processing, which the child is unable to do. It is usually possible to differentiate between mild mental retardation (or intellectual disability) and a learning disorder as the former is more pervasive and the child struggles with all school work, not just one specific aspect of learning (such as spelling, reading, writing or arithmetic.

It is important to note, though, that given a supportive learning environment with individual attention and allowing the child to work at his/her pace and preference, a child with mild mental retardation is quite capable of reaching an adequate level of school achievement - sufficient to lead an independent, product life as an adult.

In "Of Mice and Men," Lennie shows signs of being mentally challenged through his limited cognitive ability, childlike behavior, and difficulty understanding social cues. He often relies on George to guide him and struggles with processing information or making decisions independently. Lennie's repetition of phrases, fixation on soft things, and lack of understanding of consequences further illustrate his cognitive limitations.

The term "mental retardation" is generally considered outdated and offensive. People with intellectual disabilities may have a shorter life expectancy due to health complications or co-occurring conditions, but it is not accurate to say that a specific number of people die specifically from having an intellectual disability. It is important to focus on providing proper support and healthcare to improve the quality of life and longevity for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Depending on the level of severity, a person with mental retardation can participate in society in a variety of ways. A person with mild mental retardation, may learn such vocational skills as simple assembly, stocking, cleaning, food prep, landscaping, or doing laundry. Some people with MR have splinter skills, for example, having good coordination or visual-spatial abilities which may allow for achieving higher skills such as driving. It is important to do an interest survey to focus on possible future jobs. Organizations such as WorkAbility provide matching services for adults with disabilities and good work skills with employers seeking to hire people who are differently-abled. Vocational goals also include skills for independent living such as paying bills, cooking, hygiene, shopping, cleaning, laundry, use of public transportation, and safety awareness. Social skills such as how to interview, how to make casual conversation, how to talk to a boss, and how to appropriately talk to someone of the opposite sex can also be part of a comprehensive vocational program. People who have more severe types of mental retardation can still benefit from independence training. This may include self-grooming, self-dressing, making choices about food or activities, and following routines.

Euthanizing mentally ill or intellectually disabled individuals is not ethically permissible. Every individual has the right to life and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their mental or physical capabilities. It is important to provide appropriate support, care, and accommodations to enhance their quality of life.

The very word Retarded, in one sense meaning slow, explains things. Nearly all retarded people have some form of speech defect, often called Tardive Dysklesia- (fo some reason this is pronounced ( Tardiff). They have an odd nasal speech pattern one might associate with, yes, the Cartoon character Baby Huey- who was supposed to be retarded. Huey finished practically every episode with the sickening boast( I"m a Mental Retard!) Amazing that that was allowed on cartoons in the fifties. They all have a strange, usually slowed drawl way of talking, and it stands out. This should not be confused with a dialect such as Cockney or a Spanish Accent, but is a definite Retarded accent. Colored Girls, for example comes out ( Cold Gales) we had a neighbor who was retarded and from her talk of Cold Gales in Atlantic City, we assumed she was talking about the weather! then she modified it, Cold Gales like the Supremes! Oh boy!

Those that have Down's Syndrome have a genetic defect that makes their faces flat and their eyes are slanted with a fold of skin.

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.

No. A diagnosed mentally retarded person lacks the legal capacity to sign a contract.

No. A diagnosed mentally retarded person lacks the legal capacity to sign a contract.

No. A diagnosed mentally retarded person lacks the legal capacity to sign a contract.

No. A diagnosed mentally retarded person lacks the legal capacity to sign a contract.

Mental retardation was once a medical diagnostic term, but society turned it into something derogatory and hurtful. It is no longer acceptable in this and many other societies to identify anyone with a developmental or intellectual disability as "retarded" and continuing to use the "R" word after having been informed makes that person a bully. Now YOU know.

No. Down's is only one of millions of reasons to become retarded. While it used to be thought that only children with Down's were the only ones who were mentally retarded, it is now known that Down syndrome is only one of the hundreds of known causes of a child being mentally retarded.

It's even been documented that one-third of the children who are mentally retarded have no known cause.

Two other major known causes are Fragile X and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder. Like Down syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome is a chromosome abnormality.

However, FASD is not a chromosome abnormality. FASD is the only preventable -- 100% preventable -- cause of mental retardation. It is also the only one that is 100% untreatable. It's actually been estimated that FASD affects 40,000 infants each year. That is more than Spina Bifida, Down syndrome and Muscular Dystrophy combined.

Lots of research is being done endlessly -- with parental education being the most important.

it leads to death

Maternal infections and illnesses such as glandular disorders, rubella, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus infection may cause mental retardation.

In general, child support is a percentage of income. Mental retardation does not, in itself, excuse one from paying support. However, SSI/public assistance recipients cannot be ordered to pay child support.

A structured living setting is essential, along with supportive family members and/or aides, proper nutrition, walking exercise, provision of needed medications and transportation to needed medical appointments. Also, activities, games and hobbies help a great deal, as well. Education should be provided for (and special district schools often assist with this function).

Nope. Because it is a disability and not an illness, there is no cure. However i would be glad to know if scientists are working on new ways to cure it...but up to date, the only solution you can find is special training to help cope with real life demands for the people who have mental retardation. The more severe the disability is then the more harder it is for them to cope with life themselves. They need special care, due to the fact that there is no cure.

mentally retarded person symptom are behavioral, speaking,working, learning ,disability etc

Mental retardation may be caused by an inherited abnormality of the genes, such as fragile X syndrome.

He is very animalistic - Steinbeck describes him to 'dabble a paw' in the water of the river, suggesting he is closer to the intellect of animals than men.

He doesn't understand swear words - he uses them out of context throughout the book

His language is stunted and rough - for example: 'I... I ain't gonna... say a word.'

He makes frequent simple mistakes with daily life: 'A few beans slipped out of the corner of his mouth.'

His obsession with small furry animals takes precedent - he 'remembers the rabbits', pets the dog and kills it, kills mice, and eventually kills Curley's wife while stroking her hair - he cannot differentiate.

He doesn't learn from past experiences, for example when he 'quaffs the water' (like a horse) George reminds him that he got ill from doing that last time.

He imitates George exactly on may occasions, suggesting he is entirely dependant on George.

He doesn't understand the significance of what he did in Weed - the whole memory to him seems fun and exciting.

The doctor can tell if the baby has Down's Syndrome.

Drinking during pregnancy causes fetal alcohol syndrome. Babies with this condition have problems with learning.

No. Mental retardation means the person has an IQ of below 70. A person with learning disabilities can have even a genius level IQ but still have certain learning difficulties, such as, for instance, Attention Deficit Disorder, or Dyslexia, which affect their ability to learn, but do not affect their actual intelligence.