What is the functioning level and behavioral expectations of someone with mental retardation???

Question

HELP!!!!

I need this for a prodject, so any good information or websites would help!!

Answer 1

Well that is kinda like asking "What are favorite social activities of women?" or "What kind of foods do black people eat". People, all people function at different levels of intelligence and life skills. Many individuals in our society have developmental disabilities, which have been defined legally, socially and culturally. The basic component of most definitions involves a measurement of intelligence quotient, as well as measurement of adaptive skills. Adaptive skills are the skills use use to exist in your environment like eating, talking, getting dressed, getting around, etc. If you really want to learn, check out the links below.

American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities definition: http://www.aamr.org/Policies/faq_mental_retardation.shtml

From United Cerebral Palsy: http://www.ucp.org/ucp_channeldoc.cfm/1/13/12632/12632-12632/6184

Pervasive Developmental Disabilities from NICHCY: http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs20txt.htm

Legal Definition - includes public law 94-142 and IDEA 97: http://www.wrightslaw.com/law/code_regs/20USC1400_1406.html

Answer 2

Every person is different. I have a child that has severe disabilities both physical and mental. He goes to a special school that handles just this. There are different levels. Some children at the school are out in the community working. They will eventually will be out on their own or in a group home. Then there are some like my son who is 18 years old and will always need my care. The best thing to do is to visit a school where you are and meet with teachers and students. Many years ago, I was told by someone testing my son that I expected too much out of him. I told them that I had to expect things out of him because if I did not who would. I told them we do not know the out come only GOD knows. I told them yeah he might not be president of the United States or fly to the moon. But hey I do not know, he could be the first person in a wheelchair to do this. Back then 18 almost 19 years ago, people did not expect people with behavior and mental disabilities to do much of anything, but suprise they can do alot of things. Sometimes more than us healthy people. You would be suprised at what some of these kids( young adults up to 22 years old) can do. They will touch your heart and life. Good luck on your project. My 17 year old daughter has been around special ed her whole life. She is graduating this year with honors and is going to be a special ed teacher.

Answer 3

There are tons of factors that go with your question. In addition to the person's cognitive level, you have to factor in their adaptive skills as well. I worked in the field of developmental disabilities for a little over 10 years, and I found that the individual's adaptive skills (how well they adapt to their environment) is a far better predictor of how they can function in society. As far as behavioral expectations, well, that is as broad as asking how a typically developing person will behave. Some are quiet. Some are loud. Same differences apply to those with MR.

Answer 4

It really depends on the person. Some function very well and are able to go out in the community just like all of us and hold jobs and live on their own with very little outside assistance. Then their are others who need someone to care for their every living need.

Answer 5

There are 4 levels of retardation and they are:

Mild
Moderate
Severe
Profound

I worked with the severe and profound, these two forms had barely any communication what so ever.

You would have to be a little more detailed in your question in order for anyone to answer you.

Answer 6

80 to 120 IQ is considered average. I presume anything under 80 would be considered "mentally challenged"

There are programs that assess the capabilities of the individual, to determine what level mentally challenged people can functionally integrate in regular society. These programs are available both privately, and government sponsored. Discuss with a health professional to determine your options.
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Answer 7

I'm retarttded so i caaaan helpppp

the functioning level swings, and it's very low, sometimes I feel like doing what i'm told to do, sometimes I don't and put up a fuss

I think I would listen more if I'm in a good mood, so put the retartd in a good mood, by giving the retard fav music, fav food before you ask the retartd to do something, but don't expect much
i mean come on it's me

Answer 8

Depends on how delayed the are and how much intervention and training they've received. Also depends on the history and source of their MR...is it disease, injury, etc.

Answer 9

That depends on the level of incapacity of the person's metal state.