Studies have shown that somewhere between 1% and 3% of Americans have mental retardation caused by a genetic defect, brain injury, or disease. This causes slowness or limitation in understanding and awareness, emotional development, academic progress, etc. Mental retardation is usually present from birth or early infancy.
What is mental retardation?*
According to the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR), mental retardation is a disability that occurs before age 18. It is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social and practical adaptive skills. It is diagnosed through the use of standardized tests of intelligence and adaptive behavior. AAMR points out that both functioning and adaptive behavior are affected positively by individualized supports (AAMR, 2002).
How can supports help?*
Supports include the resources and individual strategies necessary to promote the development, education, interests, and well-being of a person. Supports enhance individual functioning. Supports can come from family, friends and community or from a service system. Job coaching is an example of a support provided by a service system. Supports can also be provided by a parent, sibling, friend, teacher or any other person, such as a co-worker who provides a little extra support to someone on the job. Supports can be provided in many settings, and a “setting” or location by itself is not a support.
*The Arc – Introduction to Mental Retardation
MENTAL RETARDATION RESOURCES