Developmental Disabilities> Mental Retardation

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Introduction to Mental Retardation

Mental retardation is a disorder in which a person’s overall intellectual functioning is well below average, with an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 70 or less.  Individuals with mental retardation also have a significantly impaired ability to cope with common life demands and lack some daily living skills expected of people in their age group and culture.  The impairment may interfere with learning, communication, self-care, independent living, social interaction, play, work, and safety.  Mental retardation can be caused by any condition that impairs development of the brain before birth, during birth or in the childhood years.  There are four degrees of severity of mental retardation based on IQ scores.  These are mild retardation (IQ range 50-55 to 70), moderate (IQ range 35-40 to 50-55), severe (IQ range 20-25 to 35-40), and profound (IQ level below 20-25).  People of average intelligence score from about 90 to 110 on IQ tests.  Mental retardation occurs in all racial, ethnic, educational, social and economic backgrounds.  One out of ten American families is directly affected by mental retardation.