How Do You Diagnose Mental Retardation?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

For a definite diagnosis of , there should be

reduced level of intellectual functioning resulting

in diminished ability to adapt to the daily demands of the normal social environment. Associated mental or physical disorders

How do you test for mental retardation?


The Wechsler and Binet scales

remain the two dominant, language-loaded, individually administered intelligence tests used for the diagnosis of mental retardation in the United States.

At what age is mental retardation diagnosed?

Mental retardation begins

in childhood or adolescence before the age of 18

. In most cases, it persists throughout adulthood. A diagnosis of mental retardation is made if an individual has an intellectual functioning level well below average and significant limitations in two or more adaptive skill areas.

What are the 4 levels of mental retardation?

The DSM-IV classifies mental retardation into four stages based on severity:

mild (IQ score of 50-55 to approximately 70)

, moderate (IQ score of 30-35 to 50-55), severe (IQ score of 20-25 to 35-40), and profound (IQ score of less than 20-25).

How is intellectual disability diagnosed?

The diagnosis of an intellectual disability is typically

made through a test of intelligence or cognition

, often assessed by the range of scores on an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test.

How can you tell if a baby is mentally disabled?

  1. Poor sleep patterns.
  2. Difficulties with feeding.
  3. Persistent or unremitting crying.
  4. Restlessness.
  5. Gastric disturbance.
  6. Anxiety and tension.
  7. Distress and fear.
  8. Lack of weight gain or failure to thrive.

How do I know if my child has intellectual disability?

  1. sit up, crawl, or walk later than other children.
  2. learn to talk later, or have trouble speaking.
  3. find it hard to remember things.
  4. have trouble understanding social rules.
  5. have trouble seeing the results of their actions.
  6. have trouble solving problems.

What is borderline mental retardation?

Borderline intellectual functioning, also called borderline mental retardation (in the ICD-8), is

a categorization of intelligence wherein a person has below average cognitive ability

(generally an IQ of 70–85), but the deficit is not as severe as intellectual disability (below 70).

What are the most common intellectual disabilities?

  • Fragile X syndrome. Fragile X syndrome is the most common known cause of an inherited intellectual disability worldwide. …
  • Down syndrome. …
  • Developmental delay. …
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) …
  • Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)

What is the most common cause of intellectual disability?

Some of the most common known causes of intellectual disability include

fetal alcohol syndrome disorder

; genetic and chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome; and certain infections during pregnancy.

How does intellectual disability affect a person?

An intellectual disability may affect

a person's ability to learn new information, communicate, cope and effectively solve problems on their own

. Having an intellectual disability can create stress and vulnerability, for both the person and their support network.

What are the 4 main causes of birth defects?

  • Genetic problems. One or more genes might have a change or mutation that results in them not working properly, such as in Fragile X syndrome. …
  • Chromosomal problems. …
  • Infections. …
  • Exposure to medications, chemicals, or other agents during pregnancy.

What are the 5 most common birth defects?

  • heart defects.
  • cleft lip/palate.
  • Down syndrome.
  • spina bifida.

What are the 5 signs of mental illness?

  • Excessive paranoia, worry, or anxiety.
  • Long-lasting sadness or irritability.
  • Extreme changes in moods.
  • Social withdrawal.
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping pattern.

What type of disability is ADHD?

Along with autism, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, intellectual , learning disabilities, vision impairment and others, ADHD is also considered a

developmental disability

.

What is the difference between intellectual and learning disability?

An intellectual disability describes

below-average IQ and a lack of skills needed for daily living

. This condition used to be called “mental retardation.” A learning disability refers to weaknesses in certain academic skills. Reading, writing and math are the main ones.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.