Mental retardation
Mental Retardation
Mental retardation (pronunciation: men-təl rē-ˌtär-ˈdā-shən), also known as intellectual disability (ID), is a term used when a person has certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communicating, taking care of him or herself, and social skills. These limitations will cause a child to learn and develop more slowly than a typical child.
Etymology
The term "mental retardation" is derived from the Latin words "mens", meaning "mind", and "tardus", meaning "slow". However, it is now considered outdated and offensive, with "intellectual disability" being the preferred term.
Definition
Mental retardation, or intellectual disability, is characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of mental retardation or intellectual disability involves the use of standardized tests of intelligence and adaptive behavior. A diagnosis of intellectual disability is made if an individual has an intellectual functioning level well below average, as well as significant limitations in two or more adaptive skill areas.
Related Terms
- Developmental disability: A term used to describe lifelong disabilities attributable to mental or physical impairments, present at birth or appearing before 18 years of age.
- Learning disability: A neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to receive, process, store, and respond to information.
- Autism: A developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior.
- Down Syndrome: A genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mental retardation
- Wikipedia's article - Mental retardation
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