Intellectual Disability or Mental Retardation

KNR 270

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Intellectual disability (Mental retardation)

Cerebral palsy Epilepsy Autism

Intellectual Disability

More frequently used outside US Increasing use in US

AAMR (American Association on Mental Retardation) is now AAIDD (American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities)

1/2007

7-8 million in US 1% of total population 1/10 families impacted

U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Service

Other sources: 3% of total population Carter, Van Andel, & Robb, 2003

MENTAL RETARDATION DEFINITION

Significantly subaverage intellectual function

Concurrent with limitations in adaptive skills 2 or more

Manifested before 18 Person/environment interaction

Similar definition APA in DSM-TR IV & AAMR

Adaptive Skills

Communication Home living Using community

resources Work Free time Academic

achievement

Self-care Self-direction Social &

interpersonal skills Health Safety

MENTAL RETARDATION (old)Functional Levels

% AAMR EDUCATORS 89% 55-70 mild 50-75

educable (EMR) 6% 40-55 moderate 3.5% 25-40 severe 25-50

trainable (TMR) 1.5% 0-25 profound 0-25 profound

MENTAL RETARDATION (New)

Functional level Mild Moderate

Support level (resources/strategies) Intermittent: As needed Limited: Short time intervals Extensive: Regular basis in some environments Pervasive: Consistent

Mental Retardation

Many causes 3 major causes

Fetal alcohol syndrome Down syndrome Fragile X syndrome

1/3 causes unknown Prolonged labor Low birth weight Older mothers Shaken baby syndrome

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Caused by mother drinking Mental & physical birth defects Growth deficits Central nervous system dysfunction Behavioral maladjustments

Fetal Alcohol Effect is less severe set of same symptoms

www.jau.wvu.edu

Fragile X Syndrome

Hereditary Range of severity May have behavioral disorders May have speech & language delays Trouble processing sounds, sight,

smell, sensations, Do not like to be touched More severe in males

Down Syndrome

Genetic (extra genetic material from 21st chromosome)

Flaccid muscles / motor problems Small fingers and hands /coordination

problems Large tongues & small mouth /language

problems Congenital heart defects (40-45%) Lung problems Obesity Stubborn (central nervous system)

Down Syndrome

Hearing deficits (60-80%) Premature aging Early onset Alzheimer’s (age 40) Atlantoaxial instability (10-20%)

Excessive movement in C1/C2 joint Doctor’s clearance for SO/sports Not involve in gymnastics, diving,

butterfly swimming stroke, soccer, etc.

Co-Existing Conditions

Cerebral Palsy Seizure Disorder Vision Impairment ADHD

More severe, more likely to have co-existing

Suggestions for Considerations/Accommodations?

Considerations/Accommodations

Assess functional level Small concrete steps (task analysis) Allow more time to complete tasks Repetition Practice time Modeling (Demonstrate vs. describe) Age appropriate

Skills & staff interaction No baby talk

Considerations/Accommodations

Have high expectations May learn slowly Teach to generalize skills to different

environments Routines Praise Facilitate social interaction & appropriate

social behaviors Encourage physical activity Best Buddies Others?????