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Mental retardation is a condition in which a child has been found to have decreased intellectual function and low IQ. There are many reasons a child may become mentally retarded, including disease, genetics, illness and injury. Mental retardation can be mild or severe, but early intervention can help your child lead an independent life.
What causes mental retardation?
Mental retardation has many causes. Sometimes the cause is due to chromosome damage such as in Down syndrome, other times the cause is genetic such as in fragile X syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. Metabolic disorders such as galactosemia, phenylketonuria, Rett syndrome, and Tay-Sachs disease can also cause mental retardation, as can malnutrition, brain injury, and lack of oxygen before or during birth. In most cases, the exact cause is never discovered.
Is mental retardation serious?
Mental retardation can be mild or severe. In general, intervention can increase the quality of the child's life.
Can I prevent mental retardation?
Some causes of mental retardation are preventable. However, as most causes of mental retardation are never discovered, it's hard to know how to prevent them.
How do I know if my child has mental retardation?
Children with mental retardation have low IQ, childlike behaviour, decreased ability to learn, inability to keep up in an educational setting, lowered intellectual development, and a lack of curiosity.
How do I treat mental retardation?
With proper intervention, most people with mental retardation go on to lead fulfilling and productive lives. Intervention may include special education, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological counseling.
Should I call the doctor?
Make an appointment to discuss your concerns any time you feel your child may not be developing normally. Your doctor can help you diagnose, treat, and manage mental retardation and can refer you to organizations that can provide information and assistance.
What you need to know about mental retardation
- Mental retardation is characterised by low IQ and decreased intellectual functioning.
- Mental retardation has many causes including genetics, disease, injury, and illness.
- Some causes of mental retardation are preventable.
- Early intervention can ensure that your child lives a fulfilling and productive life.
Find more relevant articles and information about congenital disorders:
- Find out more about baby development and key milestones
- Search for occupational therapists in the Kidspot directory
Written by Rebecca Stigall for Kidspot, Australia's parenting resource for family health. Sources include Better Health Channel, NSW Health and Health Insite.
Last revised: Wednesday, 20 January 2010
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.