Intellectual DisabilitiesMental Retardation and Autism

Brynn and Kacy

Mental Retardation Definition “significantly sub average general

intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.”

Intellectual disability is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. This disability originates before the age of 18.

Intellectual disability is the preferred term for mental retardation

Causes Genetic conditions Problems during pregnancy Problems at birth Health problems

Certain diseases can cause an intellectual disability Extreme malnutrition Not getting proper medical care Being exposed to certain poisons

Unexplained reasons Only 25% of causes have a known reason

Diagnosis Diagnosed by looking at a child’s mental

abilities (IQ) and their adaptive skills Can be difficult because the child may not

display any physical indicators The first indicator is normally when a child does

not achieve developmental milestones within the usual time frame

87% are only slightly slower than average in learning new information and skills. Their limitations may not be obvious until they get to school

Tests Used for Diagnosis Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test Tests used to test adaptive behavior

Revised Denver Prescreening Developmental Questionnaire

Denver Developmental Screening Test Kansas Infant Development Screen Many others

Types of Mental Retardation Mild

Approximately 85% IQ scores range from 50-75 Can often acquire academic skills up to

the 6th grade level Can become fairly self-sufficient and in

some cases live independently with support.

Types of Mental Retardation Moderate

About 10% IQ scores range from 35-55 Can carry out work and self-care tasks with

moderate supervision Typically acquire communication skills in

childhood Able to live and function successfully within

the community in a supervised environment

Types of Mental Retardation Severe

3-4% IQ scores range from 20-40 Master very basic self-care skills and some

communication skills Profound

1-2% IQ scores range from 20-25 May be able to develop basic self-care and

communication skills with appropriate support and training

Often caused by an accompanying neurological disorder

Treatments and Medications Treatments are not designed to cure the

disorder Therapy goals are to reduce safety risks

and teach appropriate life skills Interventions are based on the specific

needs of the individuals and their families, with the main goal of developing the persons potential to the fullest

No specific medications

TR Implications The main goal is to develop

interventions that assist individuals in developing the functional skills necessary for participation in leisure pursuits

TR should focus on development of cognitive skills, and increasing physical, social, and emotional development related to leisure participation

Autism Definition Autism is a general term used to

describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders

1 in every 110 children is diagnosed with Autism

An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the US are affected by Autism

Diagnosis Boys are far more likely to develop Autism and are

diagnosed 3 to 4 times more frequently. In the US 1 out of 70 boys are diagnosed

No medical test for Autism Diagnosis is based on observed behavior as well

as educational and psychological testing If a parent is concerned about their child, their

child should be referred to a specialist for developmental evaluation. The specialist will use Autism-specific screening tools, such as the Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers

Causes of Autism No one really knows what causes Autism There are most likely multiple factors that

contribute to the cause Researchers are studying the causes and

have multiple theories, but no one really knows for sure

One thing that is known is that it is NOT caused by bad parenting as was used to be believed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU-80Vr8xug

Symptoms Differences and disabilities in many areas including social

communication, fine and gross motor skills, and sometimes intellectual skills

It is characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior

A baby with ASD may be unresponsive to people or focus intently on one item to the exclusion of others for long periods of time

Repetitive movements such as rocking and twirling, as wel as self-abusive behavior such as biting or head-banging are common

Children with ASD also tend to start speaking later than others and speak in third person

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeWks6cgJ-k

Types of Autism Classic Autism Rhett Syndrome Asperger Syndrome Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not

Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Medication Medication is used to treat ASD related

symptoms Anxiety Depression Obsessive-compulsive disorder Seizures Attention Deficit Disorder

Antipsychotic medications are used to treat severe behavioral problems

Treatment Treatment is a very intensive, comprehensive

undertaking that involves the child’s entire family and a team of professionals

Involves multiple hours per week of therapy Addresses behavioral, developmental, and

educational goals Each challenge must be addressed with an

appropriate form of therapy No single therapy works for every child

Treatment Options Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT) Floortime Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Teaching and Education of Autistic and

Related Communication Handicapped children (TEACCH)

Many others

TR Implications TR can help people with ASD improve

social and interpersonal skills People with ASD relate poorly to people

and have difficulty understanding how other people feel. Leisure activities and therapeutic recreation can play a significant role in helping with that

Autism Speaks Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism

science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

Their website is a wonderful tool to help and support families of children with Autism