Mental retardation

Mental Retardation is the most commonly found mental disorder covering 2-3 % population of the country. It mostly occurs before the age of 18, in infancy or prior to birth.
Mental Retardation can be termed as delayed or abnormal development of the brain. IQ of such children measures below 70-75 mark resulting in inability to communicate properly, problems in maintaining self hygiene and doing daily functions independently. A child who suffers from mental retardation has difficulty in learning and trouble adjusting in social environment.

• Problem in learning to talk
• Trouble speaking clearly
• Continued infant like behaviour
• Lack of curiosity
• Problems keeping up in school
• Poor hygiene
• Memory problems
• Lack or slow development of motor skills, language skills and self help skills
• Problems adjusting in society
• Slow decision making

M B, age 10 was brought to the clinic by his mother. A look at M’s history revealed that she learned to speak a little late when she was 22 months old. When she got enrolled in school, she had problems in keeping up and learning basic things like a,b,c,d. She was academically dull but she had friends and was keen to play outside often. M’s hygiene was poor and her mother used to bath her till she turned 13. Her speech is not clear and she stammers every once in a while. Recently, M’s mother got a call from school that they can’t promote her to the next class as she failed in all her exams. Upon being evaluated M had an IQ of 64, her memory is on the weaker side, as she can’t recall the past events fast enough. Her language skills are of a 9 year old. She was diagnosed with Mental retardation.