Description of Mentally Disabled Classification

• AAMR 2002 Definition of Mental Retardation• Mental retardation is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in

intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. This disability originates before age 18.

• MD children exhibit delayed development.• Cognitive skills• Language skills• Motor skills.

• MD students’ difficulties in day-to-day tasks lead to poor social skills.• Impulsivity• Low frustration tolerance• Aggression

• Education is more difficult for many MD students due to health problems.• Seizures• Visual impairment• Insensitivity in hearing• Cardiovascular problemsCitations:

Curriculum Guide for S.C. Teacher Cadet Course | Experiencing Education, Tenth EditionLuckasson, R., et al, (2002). Mental retardation: Definition, classification, and systems of support (10th ed.). Washington, DC: AAMR. 

Presented by Bennett Meares

Diagnosis• Age determines the diagnosis.

• <18 years is mental retardation (now intellectual disability according to DSM-5)• >18 years is dementia

• The patient must score below 70 points on an IQ test. His performance determines the severity of his condition.• 48 < IQ < 70 is mild• 25 < IQ < 70 is moderate• 0 < IQ < 25 is severe

• The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities has specific criteria for diagnosis.1. Limitations in present functioning must be considered within the context of community

environments typical of the individual’s age, peers and culture.2. Valid assessment considers cultural and linguistic diversity as well as difference in

communication, sensory, motor and behavioral factors.3. Within an individual, limitations often coexist with strengths.4. An important purpose of describing limitations is to develop a profile of needed

supports.5. With appropriate personalized supports over a sustained period, the life functioning of

the person with intellectual disability generally will improve

Citations:The Arc, thearc.orgPsychology Today, psychologytoday.comAmerican Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, aamr.orgAmerican Psychiatric Association, dsm5.orgDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition: DSM-5

Treatment• The main goal of treating MD students is to aid them in development to

the fullest.• Inclusion into the community• Lessen dependency (if possible)

• MD students need special attention from many different sources to thrive.• Respite care• Family support• Vocational activities• Social worker assistance

• Although most MD cases are genetic, some are preventable.• Avoid exposure to toxic substances• Do not consume alcohol or non-prescription drugs during pregnancy• Vaccination

• Rubella Syndrome results in mental disability and is wholly preventable.• Avoid contact with cat feces, especially during pregnancy

• Cat feces often carries parasitic Toxoplasma gondii which results in toxoplasmosis, a disease which may increase risk of intellectual disability.

Citations:The Arc, thearc.orgThe New York Times, nytimes.com

Legal Protection• There is legislation in place protecting MD patients’ rights

to work.• The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act of 1980

(CRIPA)• Allows the attorney general to intervene on behalf of institutionalized

people whose rights may have been oppressed• The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (AKA the

Nursing Home Reform Act)• Requires states to conduct Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review

(PASRR) of individuals with disabilities to determine if patients need nursing-level care.

• The ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008 (P.L. 110-325)• Redefines “major life activities” in ways that make it easier for people

with intellectual disabilities to qualify for protections against employment discrimination under the ADA.

• Rosa’s Law of 2010 (P.L. 111-256)• Officially changes the terms mental retardation and mentally retarded to

intellectual disability and intellectually disabled.Citations:The Arc, thearc.orgArizona Department of Education, azed.gov