MENTAL RETARDATION
Mental retardation is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. Mental retardation (MR) is a developmental problem manifested during a child’s years of development (i.e. 0-18 years old). It is a condition whereby a child’s intelligence and adaptability are significantly below the average level of his peers.
Causes of mental retardation in children
- Genetic factors such as chromosomal abnormalities
- Hereditary factors or chromosomal abnormalities
- Pregnancy and birth factors, e.g. misuse of drugs or excessive alcohol in take during pregnancy, complication of birth, prematurity Infancy and childhood
- Infections and brain injuries, e.g. meningitis, brain trauma, etc.
- The cause in most cases is unknown
Associated conditions / Clinical manifestations
- Developmental delays in language acquisition, social development, and motor skills
- Seizures
- Gross and fine motor coordination
- Learning and problem-solving abilities
- Maladaptive behaviors
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder