Mental Retardation

Definition

Mental retardation is a condition of arrested or incomplete development of the mind, which is especially characterized by impairment of skills manifested during the development period which contribute to the ovrerall level of intelligence, i.e., cognitive, language, motor and social abilities.

Categories of Mental Retardation

Mild Mental Retardation

The range of 50 to 69 (standardized IQ test) is indicative of mild retardation. Understanding and use of language tend to be delayed to a varying degree and executive speech problems that interfere with the development of independence may persist into adult life.

Moderate Mental Retardation

The IQ is in the range of 35 to 49. Discrepant profiles of abilities are common in this group with some individuals achieving higher levels in visuo-spatial skills than in tasks dependent on language while others are markedly clumsy by enjoy social interaction and simple conversation. The level of development of language in variable: some of those affected can take part in simple conversations while others have only enough language to communicate their basic needs.

Severe Mental Retardation

The IQ is usually in the range of 20 to 34. In this category, most of the people suffer from a marked degree of motor impairment or other associated deficits indicating the presence of clinically significant damage to or mal-development of the central nervous system.

Profound Mental Retardation

The IQ in this category estimated to be under 20. The ability to understand or comply with requests or instructions are severally limited. Most of such individuals are immobile or severally restricted in mobility, incontinent and capable at most of only very rudimentary forms of non-verbal communication. They posses little or no ability to care for their own basic needs and require constant help and supervision.

Process of Certifications

A disability certificate shall be issued by a Medical Board consisting of three members duly constituted by the Central/State Government. At least, one shall be a Specialist in the area of mental retardation, namely, Psychiatrist, Paediatrician and clinical Psychologist.

The examination process will consist of three components, namely , clinical assessment, assessment, of adaptive behaviour and intellectual functioning.

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