Mental Retardation
Book AppointmentMental Retardation (or intellectual disability) means having below average intelligence and skills necessary for daily life. It exists in children and adults whose brains do not develop properly or function within the normal range.
There are two main areas affected by intellectual disability:
Intellectual reasoning or I.Q. (Intelligence Quotient, usually measured by a standardized test): This is the ability to think, reason, learn, make decisions and solve problems. The average person’s IQ is one hundred. Anyone with an IQ below seventy or seventy five is considered intellectually disabled.
Adaptive behaviours: This is the area that includes necessary life skills such as socialization, communication and taking care of oneself.
The onset of mental retardation usually occurs before the age of 18. A person suffering from intellectual disability will have difficulty functioning in everyday life as well as learning skills that other people can easily perform, such as getting dressed and taking care of his/her personal hygiene. Some types of intellectual disabilities include Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.
When to seek expert advise
If your child is facing any of the above symptoms, or you notice a change in his/her emotional state, social behaviour or physical abnormalities, it is recommended that you get your child tested for intellectual disabilities. You can obtain additional information from the Mind and Brain Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital.
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Disclaimer
The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.
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