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*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century 1914]

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century 1914]

==Definition==

==Definition==

* subaverage [[intellectual]] [[ability]] equivalent to or less than an IQ of 70 that is accompanied by significant deficits in [[abilities]] (as in [[communication]] or [[self]]-[[care]]) necessary for independent daily [[functioning]], is present from [[birth]] or [[infancy]], and is [[manifested]] especially by delayed or abnormal development, by learning difficulties, and by [[problems]] in [[social]] [[adjustment]].

* subaverage [[intellectual]] [[ability]] equivalent to or less than an IQ of 70 that is accompanied by significant deficits in [[abilities]] (as in [[communication]] or [[self]]-[[care]]) necessary for independent daily [[functioning]], is present from [[birth]] or [[infancy]], and is [[manifested]] especially by delayed or abnormal development, by learning difficulties, and by [[problems]] in [[social]] [[adjustment]].

<center>For lessons on the [[topic]] of '''''Mental Disability''''', follow [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Mental_Disability '''''this link'''''].</center>

<center>For lessons on the [[topic]] of '''''Mental Disability''''', follow [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Mental_Disability '''''this link'''''].</center>

==Description==

==Description==

'''Mental retardation''' (MR) is a generalized disorder appearing before [[adulthood]], characterized by significantly impaired [[cognitive]] functioning and deficits in two or more adaptive [[behaviors]]. It has historically been defined as an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligence_Quotient Intelligence Quotient] score under 70. Once [[focused]] almost entirely on [[cognition]], the definition now includes both a component relating to mental functioning and one relating to individuals' functional [[skills]] in their [[environment]]. As a result, a person with a below-average intelligence quotient (BAIQ) may not be considered mentally retarded. Syndromic mental retardation is [[intellectual]] deficits associated with other [[medical]] and behavioral signs and [[symptoms]]. Non-syndromic mental retardation refers to intellectual deficits that appear without other abnormalities.

'''Mental retardation''' (MR) is a generalized disorder appearing before [[adulthood]], characterized by significantly impaired [[cognitive]] functioning and deficits in two or more adaptive [[behaviors]]. It has historically been defined as an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligence_Quotient Intelligence Quotient] score under 70. Once [[focused]] almost entirely on [[cognition]], the definition now includes both a component relating to mental functioning and one relating to individuals' functional [[skills]] in their [[environment]]. As a result, a person with a below-average intelligence quotient (BAIQ) may not be considered mentally retarded. Syndromic mental retardation is [[intellectual]] deficits associated with other [[medical]] and behavioral signs and [[symptoms]]. Non-syndromic mental retardation refers to intellectual deficits that appear without other abnormalities.

The terms used to describe this condition are subject to a process called the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemism_treadmill euphemism treadmill]. This means that whatever term is chosen for this condition, it [[eventually]] becomes perceived as an insult. The terms ''mental retardation'' and ''mentally retarded'' were invented in the middle of the 20th century to replace the previous set of terms, which were deemed to have become [[offensive]]. By the end of the 20th century, these terms themselves have come to be widely seen as disparaging and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_correctness politically incorrect] and in need of replacement. The term intellectual disability or intellectually challenged is now preferred by most [[advocates]] in most English-speaking countries. Clinically, however, mental retardation is a subtype of intellectual disability, which is a broader [[concept]] and includes intellectual deficits that are too mild to properly qualify as mental retardation, too specific (as in specific [[learning]] disability), or acquired later in life, through acquired [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acquired_brain_injuries brain injuries] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurodegenerative_diseases neurodegenerative diseases] like dementia. Intellectual disabilities may appear at any age. Developmental disability is any disability that is due to [[problems]] with [[growth]] and development. This term [[encompasses]] many congenital [[medical]] conditions that have no mental or [[intellectual]] components, although it, too, is sometimes used as a euphemism for MR. Because of its specificity and lack of [[confusion]] with other conditions, mental retardation is still the term most widely used and recommended for use in [[professional]] [[medical]] settings, such as formal [[scientific]] [[research]] and [[health]] insurance paperwork.

The terms used to describe this condition are subject to a process called the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemism_treadmill euphemism treadmill]. This means that whatever term is chosen for this condition, it [[eventually]] becomes perceived as an insult. The terms ''mental retardation'' and ''mentally retarded'' were invented in the middle of the 20th century to replace the previous set of terms, which were deemed to have become [[offensive]]. By the end of the 20th century, these terms themselves have come to be widely seen as disparaging and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_correctness politically incorrect] and in need of replacement. The term intellectual disability or intellectually challenged is now preferred by most [[advocates]] in most English-speaking countries. Clinically, however, mental retardation is a subtype of intellectual disability, which is a broader [[concept]] and includes intellectual deficits that are too mild to properly qualify as mental retardation, too specific (as in specific [[learning]] disability), or acquired later in life, through acquired [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acquired_brain_injuries brain injuries] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurodegenerative_diseases neurodegenerative diseases] like dementia. Intellectual disabilities may appear at any age. Developmental disability is any disability that is due to [[problems]] with [[growth]] and development. This term [[encompasses]] many congenital [[medical]] conditions that have no mental or [[intellectual]] components, although it, too, is sometimes used as a euphemism for MR. Because of its specificity and lack of [[confusion]] with other conditions, mental retardation is still the term most widely used and recommended for use in [[professional]] [[medical]] settings, such as formal [[scientific]] [[research]] and [[health]] insurance paperwork.

The signs and [[symptoms]] of mental retardation are all [[behavioral]]. Most people with mental retardation may not look like they have any type of [[intellectual]] disability, especially if the disability is caused by [[environmental]] [[factors]] such as malnutrition or lead poisoning. The so-called "typical appearance" ascribed to people with mental retardation is only present in a [[minority]] of cases, all of which involve syndromic mental retardation.

The signs and [[symptoms]] of mental retardation are all [[behavioral]]. Most people with mental retardation may not look like they have any type of [[intellectual]] disability, especially if the disability is caused by [[environmental]] [[factors]] such as malnutrition or lead poisoning. The so-called "typical appearance" ascribed to people with mental retardation is only present in a [[minority]] of cases, all of which involve syndromic mental retardation.

Children with mental retardation may learn to sit up, to crawl, or to walk later than other children, or they may learn to talk later. Both adults and children with mental retardation may also exhibit some or all of the following characteristics:

Children with mental retardation may learn to sit up, to crawl, or to walk later than other children, or they may learn to talk later. Both adults and children with mental retardation may also exhibit some or all of the following characteristics:

*Delays in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speech_communication oral language development]

*Delays in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speech_communication oral language development]

*Deficits in [[memory]] skills

*Deficits in [[memory]] skills

*Difficulty learning [[social]] rules

*Difficulty learning [[social]] rules

In early [[childhood]], mild mental retardation (IQ 50–69, a cognitive ability about half to two-thirds of standard) may not be obvious, and may not be identified until children begin [[school]]. Even when poor [[academic]] performance is recognized, it may take expert [[assessment]] to distinguish mild mental retardation from learning disability or [[emotional]]/[[behavioral]] disorders. People with mild MR are capable of learning [[reading]] and [[mathematics]] skills to approximately the level of a typical child aged 9 to 12. They can learn self-care and [[practical]] [[skills]], such as cooking or using the local mass transit system. As individuals with mild mental retardation reach [[adulthood]], many learn to live independently and maintain gainful employment.

In early [[childhood]], mild mental retardation (IQ 50–69, a cognitive ability about half to two-thirds of standard) may not be obvious, and may not be identified until children begin [[school]]. Even when poor [[academic]] performance is recognized, it may take expert [[assessment]] to distinguish mild mental retardation from learning disability or [[emotional]]/[[behavioral]] disorders. People with mild MR are capable of learning [[reading]] and [[mathematics]] skills to approximately the level of a typical child aged 9 to 12. They can learn self-care and [[practical]] [[skills]], such as cooking or using the local mass transit system. As individuals with mild mental retardation reach [[adulthood]], many learn to live independently and maintain gainful employment.

Moderate mental retardation (IQ 35–49) is nearly always apparent within the first years of life. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speech_delay Speech delays] are particularly common signs of moderate MR. People with moderate mental retardation need considerable supports in [[school]], at [[home]], and in the [[community]] in order to participate fully. While their [[academic]] potential is [[limited]], they can learn simple [[health]] and [[safety]] skills and to participate in simple activities. As adults they may live with their [[parents]], in a supportive group home, or even semi-independently with significant supportive services to help them, for example, manage their [[finances]]. As adults, they may work in a sheltered workshop.

Moderate mental retardation (IQ 35–49) is nearly always apparent within the first years of life. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speech_delay Speech delays] are particularly common signs of moderate MR. People with moderate mental retardation need considerable supports in [[school]], at [[home]], and in the [[community]] in order to participate fully. While their [[academic]] potential is [[limited]], they can learn simple [[health]] and [[safety]] skills and to participate in simple activities. As adults they may live with their [[parents]], in a supportive group home, or even semi-independently with significant supportive services to help them, for example, manage their [[finances]]. As adults, they may work in a sheltered workshop.

A person with severe or [[profound]] mental retardation will need more intensive [[support]] and supervision his or her entire life. They may learn some activities of daily living. Some will require full-time care by an attendant.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_retardation]

A person with severe or [[profound]] mental retardation will need more intensive [[support]] and supervision his or her entire life. They may learn some activities of daily living. Some will require full-time care by an attendant.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_retardation]

[[Category: Psychology]]

[[Category: Psychology]]