What is mental retardation?

The definition used most often in the United States is from the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR). According to AAMR, mental retardation is a disability that occurs before age 18. It is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social and practical adaptive skills. It is diagnosed through the use of standardized tests of intelligence and adaptive behavior. AAMR points out that both functioning and adaptive behavior are affected positively by individualized supports (AAMR, 2002). 

What is intelligence?

Intelligence refers to a general mental capability. It involves the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly, and learn from experience. Intelligence is represented by Intelligent Quotient (IQ) scores obtained from standardized tests given by trained professionals. Mental retardation is generally thought to be present if an individual has an IQ test score of approximately 70 or below (AAMR, 2002).

What is adaptive behavior?

Adaptive behavior is the collection of conceptual, social and practical skills that have been learned by people in order to function in their everyday lives. Significant limitations in adaptive behavior impact a person's daily life and affect the ability to respond to a particular situation or to the environment. Limitations like the following can be determined by using standardized tests:

1. Conceptual skills: receptive and expressive language, reading and writing, money concepts, self-direction.
2. Social skills: interpersonal, responsibility, self-esteem, is not gullible or naïve, follows rules, obeys laws, avoids victimization.
3. Practical skills: personal activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, mobility and toileting; instrumental activities of daily living such as preparing meals taking medication, using the telephone, managing money, using transportation and doing housekeeping activities; occupational skills; maintaining a safe environment.

A significant deficit in one area impacts individual functioning enough to constitute a general deficit in adaptive behavior (AAMR, 2002).

How do cognitive and intellectual disabilities such as mental retardation affect Individuals?

The effects of these disabilities vary considerably among people who have them, just as the range of abilities varies considerably among all people. Children may take longer to learn to speak, walk and take care of their personal needs, such as dressing or eating. People may take longer learning in school. As adults, many people will be able to lead independent lives in the community without paid supports. A small percentage will have serious, lifelong limitations in functioning. However, with early intervention, an appropriate education and supports as an adult, all can lead satisfying lives in the community. 

The preceding information was taken from The Arc of the United States ' Fact Sheet, "What is Mental Retardation." (October 2004)