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Unit 17 Persons with Mental Retardation

1. How has “mental retardation” been defined in the Persons with Disabilities Act (1995) of our country?

The PWD Act (1995) defines mental retardation as a condition of arrested or incomplete development of mind of a person, which is especially characterised by subnormality of intelligence.

2. Fill in the Blanks:

• In Down syndrome, the presence of an extra 21st chromosome causes mental retardation.
• The inherited inability of the body to convert phenylalanine leads to Phenylketonuria (PK)
• Lack of oxygen at the time of birth is called anoxia

3. What are the two key aspects that are assessed for diagnosing mental retardation in a child?

The two key aspects assessed for diagnosing mental retardation in a child are:

• Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of the child.
• Social adaptability of the child.

4. Name two intelligence tests developed in India.

Two intelligence tests developed in India are:

• Performance Intelligence Test Battery by Dr. C.M. Bhatia
• General Mental Ability Test by R.P. Srivastava and Kiran Saxena

5. Name two adaptive behaviour assessment scales

Two adaptive behaviour assessment scales are:

• Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (UABS)
• The American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR) Adaptive Behaviour Scale (ABS)

6. What are the physical characteristics of children with Down syndrome?

The physical characteristics of children with Down syndrome include:

• Short and stout stature
• Thick or clubbed fingers and toes
• Moon shaped eyes
• Small nose
• Wide spacing between eyes
• Mouth is usually open and fissures in the tongue
• Saliva comes out of mouth

7. State any four associated problems which persons with severe mental retardation may suffer from.

Persons with severe mental retardation may suffer from the following associated problems:

• Epilepsy
• Cerebral palsy
• Speech and language problems
• Behavioural problems
• Visual impairment
• Hearing impairment

8. Write a short note on prenatal care.

During pregnancy proper care of mother is important. One should be vaccinated for German measles or rubella at least three months before conceiving. Proper nutrition and health care management of the mother is necessary. Expectant women should avoid alcohol, smoking, drugs and irradiation as these are very harmful to the foetus as well as for their own health. Good nutritious diet needs to be given to the pregnant woman including dietary supplements like iron and calcium tablets. Proper medical care is equally important.

9. What are the preventive measures to be taken during pregnancy for the occurrence of mental retardation in a child?

Preventive measures during pregnancy include:

• Proper care of the mother
• Vaccination for German measles or rubella at least three months before conceiving
• Proper nutrition and healthcare management of the mother
• Avoiding alcohol, smoking, drugs and irradiation
• Good nutritious diet including iron, folic acid and iodine supplements

10. Outline school-level intervention strategies for the children with mild mental retardation.

School-level intervention strategies for children with mild mental retardation include encouraging the child to:

i) Sit still,

ii) Obey teacher,

iii) Discriminate auditory and visual stimuli,

iv) Follow directions,

v) Develop language,

vi) Increase gross and fine motor coordination,

vii) Develop self help skills, and

viii) Interact with peers in a group situation

11. Write a short note on social intervention.

Participation with non-disabled peers in social functions and family ceremonies like birthday party, sports, marriage, etc. benefit in teaching appropriate social skills to the child with mental retardation. Parent support group meetings should be frequently held so that parents and/or caregivers of the children with mental retardation get the opportunity to express their feelings, share experiences and learn from others’ experiences.

12. Write a short note on the role of parents in taking care of children with mental retardation.

Parents need to overcome their shock and grief quickly to take care of their child suffering from mental retardation. They should learn more about their child. Parents should consult counsellors and family therapist to help them to deal with this situation and develop resilience to help their children realise their potertial. They should encourage and motivate their child to do things rather than making the child dependent on themselves. They should include their child in family functions and celebrations. Parents should be in constant touch with the teachers. They should follow the same educational plan as of teachers.

Parents play a crucial role in taking care of children with mental retardation. The role of parents includes:

• Providing a loving and supportive environment.
• Participating in their child's education and development.
• Learning about their child’s condition and needs.
• Seeking appropriate medical and therapeutic services for their child.
• Advocating for their child’s rights and needs within the community.

13. How can you assess the child for mental retardation?

Assessment for mental retardation involves evaluating:

• Intelligence Quotient (IQ) using standardised tests.
• Adaptive behaviour, which includes social and practical skills.
• Observation of physical characteristics that might be associated with specific conditions causing mental retardation.
• Medical history to look for potential genetic, prenatal, perinatal and postnatal causes.

14. How can one prevent mental retardation?

Prevention of mental retardation can be done through:

• Genetic counselling to identify risk of hereditary conditions.
• Prenatal care including vaccinations, proper nutrition, and avoiding harmful substances.
• Postnatal care that ensures proper nutrition, immunisations and a stimulating environment.
• Preventing head injuries and accidents.
• Ensuring good nutritive food for young children.

15. What is the role of intervention in the life of a child with mental retardation?

Intervention plays a crucial role by:

• Enhancing development in various areas such as cognitive, social, and language.
• Promoting independence and self-care skills.
• Providing education and vocational training.
• Supporting inclusion in society.
• Improving quality of life for the child and their family.