Individuals with MR
Mental
retardation--sometimes referred to as an intellectual or cognitive disability--is
a functioning level characterized by significant limitations in both intelligence--IQ
below 75--and conceptual, social and practical adaptive skills. Most people
living in ICFs/MR have severe to profound mental retardation, and are
likely to have multiple disabilities and impairments, such as cerebral
palsy; seizure disorders, such as epilepsy; visual and hearing impairments;
and behavioral or psychiatric disorders.
The following points are essential to understanding mental retardation, which can be caused by many conditions that impair development of the brain before birth, during birth or during early childhood:
- Mental retardation is characterized by related limitations in two or more of the following adaptive skill areas: communication; home living; community use; health and safety; leisure; self-care; social skills; self-direction; academics; and, work. The condition manifests before age 18.
- Limitations usually coexist with strengths.
- In order to profile needed supports, limitations are identified.
- With appropriate supports, over a sustained period, persons with mental retardation often can improve and show increased autonomy and independence.
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