A problem in reading the various chapters of this book, which is also true of working with mental retardation in the real world, is the wide range of persons who are classified as mentally retarded. This is illustrated at one extreme by the vignettes of formerly institutionalized young men inducted into the armed services during World War II, who, in many instances, served effectively. In that time of great social need, it was these soldiers’ abilities, not their disabilities that counted. At the other extreme, in my work I encounter youngsters...
Monday, 9 July 2012
MICRO-CEPHALY
What is microcephaly?Microcephaly is a condition that is present at birth in which the baby’s head is much smaller than normal for an infant of that age and gender. “Micro” means small and cephaly refers to head. Most children with microcephaly also have a small brain and mental retardation. However, some children with small heads have normal intelligence.What causes microcephaly?Microcephaly is either caused by exposure to harmful substance during the fetal development, or it may be associated with genetic problems or syndromes that may have...
MULTIPLE VULNERABILITIES
Many, if not most, of the people with mental retardation convicted of capital murder are doubly and triply disadvantaged. In general, America’s prison population is made up disproportionately of poor people, minorities, the mentally ill, and those who were abused as children. Not surprisingly, the mentally retarded people who become enmeshed in the criminal justice system usually share one or more of these characteristics: many of them come from poor families, suffered from severe abuse as children, and/or face mental illness in addition to their...
RARE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Rett syndrome is relatively rare, affecting almost exclusively females, one out of 10,000 to 15,000. After a period of normal development, sometime between 6 and 18 months, autism-like symptoms begin to appear. The little girl’s mental and social development regresses—she no longer responds to her parents and pulls away from any social contact. If she has been talking, she stops: she cannot control her feet: she wrings her hands. Some of the problems associated with Rett syndrome can be treated. Physical, occupational and speech therapy can help...
THE DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Although there are many concerns about labeling a young child with an ASD, the earlier the diagnosis of ASD is made, the earlier needed interventions can begin. Evidence over the last 15 years indicates that intensive early intervention in optimal educational setting for at least 2 years the preschool years result in improved outcomes in most young children with ASD.In evaluating a child, clinicians rely on behavioral characteristics to make a diagnosis. Some of the characteristics behaviors of ASD may be apparent in the first few months of child’s...
Treatment Options for Autism Spectrum Disorders
There is no single best treatment package for all children with ASD. One point that most professional agree on is that early intervention is important; another is that most individuals with ASD respond well to highly structured, specialized programs.Before you make decisions on your child’s treatment, you will want to gather information about the various options available. Learn as much as you can, look at all the options, and make your decision on your child’s treatment based on your child’s needs. You may want to visit public schools in your...
WHAT ARE SUPPORTS?
The concept of supports originated about 15 years ago and it has revolutionized the way habilitation and education services are provided to persons with mental retardation. Rather than mold individuals in to pre-existing diagnostic categories and force them into existing models of service, the supports approach evaluates the specific needs of the individual and then suggests strategies, services and supports that will optimize individual functioning. The supports approach also recognizes that individual needs and circumstances will change over...
WHAT ARE THE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS?
The autism spectrum disorders are more common in the pediatric population than are some better known disorders such as diabetes, spinal bifida, or Down syndrome. Prevalence studies have been done in several states and also in the Untied Kingdom, Europe and Asia. A recent study of a U.S. metropolitan area estimated that 3.4 of every 1,000 children 3-10 years old autism. These wide range of prevalence points to need for earlier and more accurate screening for the symptoms of ASD.The earlier the disorder is diagnosed the sooner the child can be helped...
WHAT IS ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR ?
Adaptive behavior is the collection of conceptual, social, and practical skills that people have learned so they can function in their everyday lives. Significant limitations in adaptive behavior impact a person’s daily life and affect the ability to respond to a particular situation or to the environment.Limitations in adaptive behavior can be determined by using standardized tests that are named on the general population including people with disabilities and people without disabilities. On these standardized measures, significant limitations...
WHAT IS INTELLIGENCE?
Intelligence refers to general mental capability. Usually it involves the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly, and learn from experiences which are observed by the person who is under review. Although not perfect, intelligence is represented by Intelligent Quotient (IQ) scores obtained from standardized tests given by a trained professional. In regard to the intellectual criterion for the diagnosis of mental retardation, mental retardation is generally thought to be present if an individual...
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
Grouping Levels
The diagnosis of mental retardation is further specified with a code or grouping label that indicates the diagnosing clinician’s impression of the severity of the presenting retardation. This grouping label is linked to IQ (intelligence quotient).
Mild Mental Retardation;
Mild mental retardation affects 85% of the mentally retarded population. Their IQ score ranges form 50~75. Many individuals within this group can achieve academic success at about the sixth grade level. They cam become self-sufficient and in some cases, live...
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