Mental Retardation
Mental Retardation
Liberty University
Human Growth and Development
Dr. James W. Eisenhower
December 12, 2012
Abstract
Mental retardation is generally understood as a condition that affects the mental and cognitive functioning of the individual and reduces social and learning skills. The prevalence of mental retardation is relatively high in developed countries and this can lead to various problems in terms of care and treatment. It can have far-reaching consequences for the healthcare system and society, as well as for the family or caregivers that live with or treat the retarded individuals. On the other hand it is important to realize that there are many different degrees and types of mental retardation. Those with mild to moderate retardation generally have a good prognosis in term of treatment and functioning in society. A growing awareness of the causes and the ways in which this condition can be treated has resulted in a better understanding of the condition and has provided more avenues for enabling the mild to moderate mentally retarded individual to integrate and function in society.
Mental retardation can be defined as a disability that relates to how fast or how well a person is able to think or learn. There exists a variation in mathematical abilities and reading skills in mentally retarded individuals. Such individuals have also been observed to exhibit learning and thinking difficulties in theoretical terms and also in familiarizing themselves with what they hear in their daily life (Gotiesrnati, s.f.). However, it has to be remembered that mentally retarded individuals have needs, joys, and desires in the same manner that most of us do and they also wish to succeed in their undertakings (Yepsen, 1941). An important aspect of understanding mental retardation is that there are many levels and degrees of retardation that have different consequences and treatment options. Mental retardation is usually divided into categories such as mild
Liberty University
Human Growth and Development
Dr. James W. Eisenhower
December 12, 2012
Abstract
Mental retardation is generally understood as a condition that affects the mental and cognitive functioning of the individual and reduces social and learning skills. The prevalence of mental retardation is relatively high in developed countries and this can lead to various problems in terms of care and treatment. It can have far-reaching consequences for the healthcare system and society, as well as for the family or caregivers that live with or treat the retarded individuals. On the other hand it is important to realize that there are many different degrees and types of mental retardation. Those with mild to moderate retardation generally have a good prognosis in term of treatment and functioning in society. A growing awareness of the causes and the ways in which this condition can be treated has resulted in a better understanding of the condition and has provided more avenues for enabling the mild to moderate mentally retarded individual to integrate and function in society.
Mental retardation can be defined as a disability that relates to how fast or how well a person is able to think or learn. There exists a variation in mathematical abilities and reading skills in mentally retarded individuals. Such individuals have also been observed to exhibit learning and thinking difficulties in theoretical terms and also in familiarizing themselves with what they hear in their daily life (Gotiesrnati, s.f.). However, it has to be remembered that mentally retarded individuals have needs, joys, and desires in the same manner that most of us do and they also wish to succeed in their undertakings (Yepsen, 1941). An important aspect of understanding mental retardation is that there are many levels and degrees of retardation that have different consequences and treatment options. Mental retardation is usually divided into categories such as mild
References: Retrieved October 24, 2012, from http://www.cloudnet.com/~edrbsass/mrdefinitions2.htm Gittleman. M. (2008). Why Are the Mentally Ill Dying?. International Journal Of Mental Health. 37(1). 3-12. doi: 10.2753/IMH0020-7411370100 It is stated that person with mental illness is dying because of the neglect by the society. Goldstein, G. and Shapiro B. (2007) Mental Retardation. Retrieved October 24, 2012, from http://www.dana.org/news/brainhealth/detail.aspx?id=9836 Journal of Rehabilitation, Oct-Dec, 1996. Retrieved October 24, 2012,from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0825/is_2_65/ai_54924773/pg_1?tag=artBody;col1 Mental Retardation: Fact Sheet 8. Retrieved October 24, 2012, from http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs8txt.htm Mental Retardation: Free Health Encyclopedia. Retrieved October 24, 2012, from http://www.faqs.org/health/Sick-V3/Mental-Retardation.html White, S. W., Scahill, L., Klin, A., Koenig, K., & Volkmar, F. R. (2007). Educational placements and service use patterns of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(8): 1403-1412. Yianni-Coudurier, C., Darrou, C., and Lenoir, P. et al. (2008). What Clinical Characteristics of Children with Autism Influence Their Inclusion in Regular Classrooms? Journal of Intellectual D