Mental retardation: what it is, causes and how to identify

Mental retardation, also known as intellectual disability, is a condition, generally irreversible, characterized by a lower than normal intellectual capacity, which can result in difficulties in learning and social adaptation, which is normally present from birth or manifests itself in the early years of childhood.

Intellectual disability can be identified by observing the delay in the child’s development, in addition to being confirmed through the intelligence quotient (IQ) test carried out by the pediatrician or psychologist, which also helps to classify mental retardation and, thus, indicate the best way to accompany the child.

Main causes

In most cases, the cause of mental retardation is unknown, but several conditions during pregnancy can cause or contribute to the development of mental retardation in the child, such as the use of certain drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, radiation therapy, and poor health. nutrition.

Difficulties associated with premature birth, head trauma, or very low oxygen concentration during birth can also cause mental retardation.

Furthermore, chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, are common causes of mental retardation, but this condition can also be a consequence of other hereditary disorders that can be corrected before mental retardation occurs, as in the case of phenylketonuria or cretinism. , for example.

How to identify mental retardation

Mental retardation can be identified by observing the child’s behavior and development, especially with regard to the development of language, communication and social skills.

However, to confirm mental retardation and the level, the psychologist or pediatrician may recommend carrying out the intelligence quotient test, also called IQ test, which evaluates children’s abilities linked to intelligence, logical reasoning and problem solving. . Thus, according to the results of the IQ test, it is possible to classify mental retardation as:

• Mild mental retardationin which the IQ is between 50 and 69;
• Moderate mental retardationin which the IQ is between 35 and 49;
• Severe mental retardationin which the IQ is between 20 and 40;
• Profound mental retardationin which the IQ is below 20.

Thus, depending on the degree of mental retardation, it is possible to indicate measures that help stimulate the child’s development and social skills, and sessions with a psychologist and/or speech therapist may be recommended.

Main features

The characteristics of mental retardation may vary according to its severity, so the person may present more or less mild signs and symptoms. Mental retardation can be classified into:

Mild mental retardation

In this type of mental retardation, children with a mild degree of mental retardation can reach a reading level similar to that of children studying between the 4th and 6th grades of school, learning the basic educational skills necessary in everyday life.

These people generally do not have obvious physical defects, but they may have epilepsy and require supervision from special educational institutions. They are often immature and unrefined, with little capacity for social interaction. Their line of thinking is very specific and in general, they are unable to generalize. They have difficulty adjusting to new situations and may have poor judgment, lack of prevention and excessive gullibility, and are capable of committing impulsive acts.

Learn more about mild mental retardation.

Moderate mental retardation

In moderate mental retardation, the child is slower to learn to speak or sit, but if they receive adequate training and support, adults with this degree of mental retardation can live with some independence. The intensity of support must be established for each patient and sometimes just a little help may be needed to be integrated. See more about moderate mental retardation.

Severe mental retardation

Characteristics of severe mental retardation include an inability to learn even when compared to a child with less intense retardation, especially in cases where the IQ is below 19. In these cases, in general the child may not be able to learn to speak and needs a lot of help with daily activities, such as hygiene and eating, even in adult life.