Mental retardation
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Mental retardation
Mental retardation refers to below-average intelligence. The diagnosis of mental retardation is based on intelligence quotient (IQ) tests and a child's learning problems.
Mental retardation is categorized according to IQ scores:
- In mild retardation, IQs range from 50 or 55 to 70.
- In moderate retardation, IQs range from 35 or 40 to 50 or 55.
- In severe retardation, IQs range from 20 or 25 to 35 or 40.
- In profound retardation, IQs are below 20 or 25.
Children with mental retardation may have difficulty with:
- Learning, especially complex tasks.
- Language. Children with severe mental retardation have more difficulty learning language than children with mild to moderate mental retardation.
- Self-care (in cases of severe mental retardation).
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Fred Volkmar, MD - Child Psychiatry |
| Last Updated | May 19, 2008 |
| Last updated: | May 19, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Fred Volkmar, MD - Child Psychiatry |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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