Intellectual and developmental disability

The primary goal of treatment is to develop the person's potential to the fullest. Special education and training may begin as early as infancy. This includes social skills to help the person function as normally as possible.

It is important for a specialist to evaluate the person for other affective disorders and treat those disorders. Behavioral approaches are important for people with mental retardation.

The outcome depends on:

• Opportunities
• Other conditions
• Personal motivation
• Treatment

Many people lead productive lives and function on their own; others need a structured environment to be most successful.

Complications vary. They may include:

• Inability to care for self
• Inability to interact with others appropriately
• Social isolation

Call your health care provider if:

• You have any concerns about your child's development
• You notice that your child's motor or language skills are not developing normally
• Your child has other disorders that need treatment

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Mental retardation Symptoms

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Mental retardation Prevention

Review Date: 11/02/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)