Should one treat mentally challenged individuals "normally" or be extra sensitive towards them?

Answer 1

I think this is a question that people need to address according to the situation.
Noramally I would say treat them the same, but in some cases you have to have a gentle hand approach. Some mentally challenged individuals are over sensitive. You would need to be more sensitive toward them.
In any case, the general thought amoung parents would be treat them as you would anyone else.

Answer 2

Treat them as you would anybody else. If you are a decent human being then you try hard to treat others with decency, respect, and kindness. This is how anyone should be treated, regardless of their mental capacities. The mentally challenged are just like we are, with feelings and sensitivity. Why would you need to be different with them?

I have a border line retarded step daughter who I have raised. I get so tired of people who stare at her or look down on her due to her lower IQ level. Just because she was born with a lower IQ does not mean she is any less valuable or viable to society. She just wants to be treated like any other normal individual wishes to be treated.

Thanks for this question, it is a great one and will hopefully assist others in realizing the mentally challenged are the same as those who are not. They bleed red blood just like everyone else, have heartaches and joys.

Remember, the "average" IQ is 100. Which has a range between 80-120. There is a huge difference between 80 and 120. However, each is considered to have an "average" IQ. An IQ beteen 72-29 is considered borderline redarded. Someone with an IQ of 80 is mentally challenged regardless of the "average" label placed on this figure. It is just over the top of the IQ scores which would get them the assistance needed to be more productive in life. A person with an IQ of 80, really needs some assistance yet they are denied it due to one point. Sad.

Answer 3

The ability to communicate with people whose speech is limited by mental deficiency is actually a skill that can be developed over time with practice. Whether you deal with mentally challenged speakers often or rarely, this advice will help you to communicate more effectively and smoothly.

Steps
Maintain a calm, low volume. Speaking louder doesn't make you more understandable.
When determining "age-appropriateness" of your words, remember that you must know the "mental age" of your listener, not his or her "calendar age."
Do not cover or hide your mouth because listeners will want to watch you as you pronounce your words. This helps them figure out what you are saying in many cases.
Do not mimic how the mentally challenged speaker pronounces words, in a misguided presumption that he or she will "understand" if you speak like he or she does. This does not make you easier to understand. It will confuse your listener and may give the wrong impression about your sensitivity to his or her handicap.
Avoid running words together (Do-ya wanna eat-a pizza?). One of the biggest challenges for listeners is knowing where one word ends and the next one begins. Give them a small pause between words if they seem to be struggling.
When possible, opt for simple words instead of ones that are complex. The more basic a word is, the better the chance is that it will be understood. ("Big" is a better choice than "enormous" for example. "Make" is a better choice than "manufacture.")
Avoid speech complexity which is beyond your mentally challenged listener's comprehension level. Use simple subject-verb-object statements with the significantly retarded. More mildly retarded people may be able to handle more complex forms, such as joined independent clauses.



Tips
Don't treat them as inferior. It really says something about you if you treat them like dirt.
Patience is the key.



Warnings
Although most mentally challenged people are at a lower "mental" age than their physical development, be careful not to enrage one that is significantly more physically developed than you. A six-foot, 200 pound man will still likely have more strength than you, regardless of his mental capacity.
Remember that a mentally challenged person, even a 6 foot, 200 pound man, is very unlikely to be dangerous at all. One should not feel the need to take any additional precaution when dealing with a mentally challenged individual than one would with any stranger.

Answer 4

My answer would be maybe. I suppose it would depend upon the person and how he/she was raised. You could treat them sensitively if they want that, or maybe they want to be treated like any normal person. I think this would especially fit a child's point.

Jaden Ashton

Answer 5

I personally act normal to them until I find out just how much normalcy they need. I find treating anyone 'extra sensative' like that is disrespectful, even if they can't tell. I try to treat everyone with respect.

Answer 6

60/40 some dont liked to be treated different. but when their behaviour gets the best of the situation they want a little sympathy

Answer 7

what do u think, how would u want to be treated if u were mentally challenged

Answer 8

I'm quite certain that people, regardless of disabilities, would choose to be treated normally.

Answer 9

All women should be treated normally.

Answer 10

As normally as you can keeping their"limitations" in mind.