Intellectual Disability (Mental Retardation)

Stunted growth and mental retardation in individuals can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic disorders such as Down syndrome or Turner syndrome. Nutritional deficiencies during critical periods of development, particularly in prenatal and early childhood stages, can also lead to these outcomes, as can exposure to toxins or infections, such as fetal alcohol syndrome or congenital infections. Additionally, environmental factors and socioeconomic conditions may contribute to inadequate access to healthcare and nutrition, further exacerbating growth and cognitive development issues.

In 1989, and again in 2001, the Supreme Court declared execution of mentally retarded convicts was not a violation of the 8th Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment; however, in 2002, the Court overturned these decisions on the basis that state legislatures appeared to be moving away from allowing the death penalty against the mentally retarded, and that the growing consensus was that executing retarded convicts did, indeed, constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

Background

Penry v. Lynaugh and Penry v. Johnson

In Penry v. Lynaugh, 492 US 302 (1989), Penry, a mentally retarded man, was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death by the jury in a Texas court. During the trial, the defendant raised an insanity plea, claiming he had organic brain damage as a result of childhood abuse and was moderately mentally retarded. The jury rejected this defense and sentenced him to death.

Penry's attorney challenged the sentence as an 8th Amendment violation of the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, but the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld the death sentence.

The US Supreme Court granted a writ of certiorari on the case and decided that, while execution of the mentally retarded did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment, the judge, in the Penalty phase of Penry's trial, provided the jury inadequate instruction for considering "special circumstances," so the sentencing phase was unfair.

The Court reversed the sentence and remanded back to the 5th Circuit for retrial.

In the second trial, in 1990, the prosecution cited evidence from the first trial of a report prepared at the request of Penry's former counsel, in which his former psychiatrist said he would be a danger to society if released.

When the case was submitted to the jury, the trial judge instructed them to determine Penry's sentence by answering the same special issues in the original Penry case. The trial judge also gave supplemental instruction on mitigating evidence. Penry was again sentenced to death on the basis of their answers to the judge's "special circumstances" issue.

The second trial was appealed through the 5th Circuit under the argument that introduction of the priveledged information from Penry's psychiatrist constituted a 5th Amendment prohibition against self-incrimination. His attorney, again, raised the 8th Amendment issue.

In Penry v. Johnson, 532 US 782 (2001), the Supreme Court again affirmed the lower court ruling that capital punishment for the mentally retarded was not an instance of "cruel and unusual punishment," and also affirmed the ruling that introducing the psychiatrist's report did not violate the defendant's Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination; however, the high court again found the jury instructions on "special circumstances" inadequate, and again remanded the case to the 5th Circuit.
In 2001, The Supreme Court believed capital punishment for the mentally retarded was acceptable under the Eighth Amendment.

Atkins v. Virginia

Daryl Atkins and William Jones robbed Eric Nesbitt, an airman at Langley Air Force Base, at gunpoint and took $60.00 from his wallet. Rather than let Nesbitt go, they decided to abduct him and force him to drive them to an ATM, where he withdrew another $200.00. Atkins and Jones then drove Nesbitt to an isolated location, shot him eight times, and killed him.
The men were caught on security camera, identified and arrested. Under interrogation, each claimed the other pulled the trigger. Atkins version contained some inconsistencies, which raised doubts among the detectives. Both men were jailed pending trial.

Atkins cell-mate told prison officials Atkins had confessed to pulling the trigger in the homicide. On this basis, the District Attorney offered Jones a plea bargain of life in prison in exchanged for his testimony against Atkins. Atkins was subsequently tried and sentenced to death.
On appeal, the Virginia Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction, but reversed the sentence on a technical error because an improper verdict form had been used, and remanded the case for resentencing.

In the second Penalty hearing, the prosecutor told the jury Atkins met both criteria for the death penalty; 1) he could be considered a future danger to the community based on previous violent convictions; and 2) he had committed the crime in "a vile manner."

A psychologist testified for the defense that Atkins had a tested IQ of 59, making him mildly to moderately retarded, and diminishing his understanding of the consequences of his actions. Despite this testimony, the jury again sentenced Atkins to death.
The case was appealed through to the Supreme Court of Virginia, which upheld the death sentence in a 5-2 vote.
Atkins v. Virginia, 536 US 304 (2002) was argued before the Supreme Court in February 2002. The Court determined executing the mentally retarded violates the 8th Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.
In explaining their change of direction on this type case, the Court declared that the 8th Amendment was the only Amendment intended to be interpreted "in the light of the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society," and that recent trends in state legislation indicated many states were ruling against capital punishment for the mentally retarded (Georgia was the first, in 1986). Nineteen of the 50 states had abolished the death penalty altogether. In the Court's view, this indicated a shift in public opinion that the Justices were bound to uphold.

In a 6-3 vote, the Court reversed Atkins' sentence and ordered it commuted to life. The decision also effectively voided the death sentence imposed against Penry in the Texas case, as well as in other cases across the United States involving mentally retarded convicts.
Chief Justice William Rehnquist and Associate Justices Thomas and Scalia dissented.

In 2002, the Supreme Court determined executing a mentally retarded person did, in fact, constitute "cruel and unusual punishment."

When working with an adult who has moderate intellectual disabilities, effective behavioral techniques include positive reinforcement, structured routines, and clear, consistent communication. Positive reinforcement can encourage desired behaviors by providing rewards or praise for accomplishments. Establishing structured routines helps create a predictable environment, making it easier for the individual to understand expectations. Additionally, using visual aids and simple language can enhance comprehension and engagement during interactions.

An organic cause of mild intellectual disability can include genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, which results from an extra chromosome 21. Other organic causes may involve prenatal factors, such as exposure to toxins or infections during pregnancy, which can affect brain development. Additionally, complications during birth, like oxygen deprivation, can also lead to intellectual disabilities. These factors often impact cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior.

Happiness among individuals with intellectual disabilities varies widely and is influenced by numerous factors, including personal circumstances, support systems, and social interactions. Many individuals with intellectual disabilities can experience joy and satisfaction in their lives, particularly when they have access to supportive environments and meaningful relationships. Ultimately, happiness is a personal experience that can be found in people of all abilities.

Crazy at it sounds, as they lead ( or follow) very protected lives- they may have a long lifespan in captive or semi-captive institutions. Some show very little signs of aging. on the other hand , that is a horrible price to pay for youthful looks! They have nothing to worry about- are unable to read about, say bomb scares or terrorists in the newspaper, and have some very distorted concepts of reality.- In this they resemble children who have never grown up- the supposedly ( ideal) Peter Pan neverland- in reality- and it is not funny. For example a woman in middle age talks about Buck Rogers, Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Green Jeans as though they are next-door neighbors! they can"t figure things out like adults do, and have trouble telling fact from fiction, again resembling children.

Interviews with parents or other caregivers are used to assess the child's daily living, muscle control, communication, and social skills.

Yes a person with an IQ of 51 would have a mental disability.