Mental Retardation

Mental retardation is a term used when a person has certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communicating, taking care of him or herself, and social skills. These limitations will cause a child to learn and develop more slowly than a typical child. Children with mental retardation may take longer to learn to speak, walk, and take care of their personal needs such as dressing or eating. They are likely to have trouble learning in school. They will learn, but it will take them longer. There may be some things they cannot learn. (National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities)

I saw this retarded boy in front of a grocery shop nearby my house.

Now you know what is mental retardation. It affects 3% of the population. (The Arc, 2001) So what's the cause? It can be broadly classified into 3 classes, namely prenatal, perinatal and postnatal.

PRENATAL

• Chromosomal disorders
• Gene defects
• Exposure to toxins during pregnancy

PERINATAL

• Prematurity conditions
• Infections

POSTNATAL

• Infections
• Lead poisoning
• Metabolic disorder
• Head trauma
  

Approximately 50% of the children with mild mental retardation will have no cause identified. However, children with severe mental retardation are much likely to have a cause found. Testing might include chromosomal analysis such as Down Syndrome test and Fragile X Syndrome. More intensive test such as MRI can also be done, including psychological test to evaluate their IQ. (http://www.keepkidshealthy.com)

Children with mental disabilities can do well in school, but they need individualized help. Special-need schools are set up for eligible children of schooling age. Other than that, I've found a few good website dedicated in supporting Malaysians with disabilities. I suppose one or more of this care centres are set up in every states in Malaysia.

PERSATUAN PENJAGAAN KANAK-KANAK TERENCAT AKAL JOHOR BAHRU

Ministry of Education's Sekolah Kanak-kanak Terencat Akal

Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development

Some other useful links/articles :

Seksual di Kalangan Kanak-Kanak dan Orang Dewasa Terencat Akal

Registration Form for Disabled Person