There are three classification systems used when defining mental retardation criterion in North America, the DSM-IV-TR, AAMR, and the Educational System. Show
DSM-IV-TR criteria
American Association of Mental RetardationThe American Association on Mental Retardation is another one of the three classification systems currently used in North America. Instead of focusing on the severity of the disorder, AAMP focuses on how intense the intervention is (intermittent, limited, extensive, or pervasive). Another difference between the DSM-IV-TR and AAMP is that the AAMP does not view MR as a metal disorder (Axis II) or a medical disorder. However, both classification systems view MR as having limited intellectual and adaptive skills. The two also agree that the age of onset it prior to the age of 18, the IQ level should be 70 or below, and that you must meet criteria other than an IQ score. The most recent definition in AAMP focuses on considering ecological and multidimensional influences when you are developing interventions. The nine areas in which you must rate the intensity of intervention are: human development, education, home living, community living, employment, health and safety, behavior, social, and protection issues. Educational SystemThe third classification system for defining mental retardation is the Educational System. In the educational system there has been many changes regarding the cutoff level for placement in the special education system. In the 1970s the IQ level designated for mental retardation was 85. It is difficult for the educational system to define mental retardation criterion by themselves because the special education system is funded by the state governments in which their criteria corresponds with the DSM-IV-TR and AAMP. Associated featuresThere are no specific personality traits associated with Mental Retardation. Some individuals are passive, placid, and dependent, but others may be aggressive. Lack of communication skills may cause dispose them toward disruptive behaviors as a substitute for language. Developmental delays vary widely with the nature of mental retardation. For example, in some cases, incapacity is only limited to impaired academic performance, but all adaptive skills are adequate. Some have aggressive features with comorbid behavior problems. This problem would make adjustment difficult. Negative features include self-injurious behavior, aggression, stereotypical movements, communication problems, and overactivity. Mild cases of MR can function adequately at a slower pace when goals have been modified. Cognitive limitations tend to be less noticeable in a predictable and structured environment. Those with Mental Retardation have a prevalence of comorbid disorders that are much higher than the general population, although there is no evidence to suggest that the disorder will present itself differently than in someone without Mental Retardation. It is more difficult to diagnose comorbid mental disorders, though, because of their difficulty in communication to give an adequate history. The most commonly seen comorbid disorders are Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Mood Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Stereotypical Movement Disorder, and Mental Disorders Due to a General Medical Condition. One of the key defining features in making a diagnosis of MR is that in MR the person will commenstraut with expected IQ but have low academic achievement. There is, however, a significant discrepency between IQ and achievement. There are four levels of severity of MR based on the individuals level of functioning and associated expectations: mild, moderate, severe, and profound. Many have problems in central processing, or classification of stimuli through the use of memory. Memory is also difficult. They also have deficits in executive function, the decision-making element that controls reception, central processing, adn expression. Child vs. adult presentationSince one criteria is onset before 18 years of age, children are more likely to statistically have Mental Retardation. Children are at a higher risk for MR because most Mental Retardation comes from within the womb and birth, (infections, chromosomal abnormalities, environmental, metabolic, and nutritional), but Mental Retardation can occur in other ways. Adults can also be diagnosed with Mental Retardation. Adult MR can also come about from toxic exposure and trauma (most likely to the brain). There are also unexplained reasons; this particular reasoning is the largest one because there are so many cases of Mental Retardation that cannot be explained. (Mental Retardation, 1997). Gender and cultural differences in presentationIndividualized testing are always required to make the diagnosis of Mental Retardation. Mental Retardation due to known biological factors is similar among children of upper and lower socioeconomic classes, except that certain etiological factors are linked to lower socioeconomic status. Some biological factors are irregular genes or genes that did not fuse together properly, an example being down syndrome (when there is the presents of an extra chromosome). In cases in which no specific biological causation can be identified, the Mental Retardation is usually milder and individuals from lower socioeconomic classes are overrepresented. There is no cultural differences in presentation of mental retardation. Mental Retardation is more common among males, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1.5:1. (Mental Retardation, 2009) EpidemiologyTesting for MR has become increasingly improved over the years. New testing has come about biotechnological progress such as antenatal and neonatal screenings are some of these new types of testing. The real factor is that this new testing are not always available for all individuals. Also, these tests are at high risk and are still unsound for specific results. (Leonard & Wen, 2002) Mental retardation occurs about 2.5% to 3% of the total population. In most cases, it is a lifelong condition. Socioeconomic status & ethnicity plays a role in MR. MR tends to be more common among low SES and minority groups. Relationship between mild MR and parental SES and its highly correlated measure, parental IQ. A classic study by Reed & Reed (1965). Association of mild MR and race is more complicated. IQ couldn't be used to put someone in special classes. Test bias, de-emphasis by schools of the importance of IQ in diagnostic decisions. A classic cases that describes the importance of IQ is the Larry P. v. Riles case in California and its effects. Links
Developmental TheoriesDouble ABCX Model is known as a crisis of raising a child with MR (x) is a function of child's characteristics (A), family's resources (B), and family's perceptions (C). The concept of stress was first introduced into family studies by researcher's examining impacts of the 1930s great depression. Hill (1949) ABCX Model, McCubbin and Patterson (1981) Double ABCX Model, and McCubbin and Figley (1938) stated that families generally operate on a predictable normal cycle, anticipating and accepting a sequence of events that will occur throughout the life-force. Below is a picture of the Double ABCX Model. EtiologyThere are a number of causes of mental retardation. The majority of causes come from Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and Fragile X Syndrome.
Down Syndrome is one cause of mental retardation. It is caused by a chromosome abnormality in the 21st chromosome. The incidence of Down Syndrome increases the older the mother is. However Down Syndrome is not directly caused by something the mother does during pregnancy.They are at increased risk for diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, Alzheimer's Disease, and hearing and vision loss. Individuals with down syndrome
are usually characterized by moderate mental retardation, slowing rate of development, social strengths, and weaknesses in grammar and speech. People with Down Syndrome have developmental delays and physical attributes that distinguish the disorder, such as almond-shaped "puffy" eyes, straight hair, shortness, a small skull that is flat in the back, a simean crease across the palm, leathery texture to the palms and soles, a small mouth, a flat philtrum, and square hands and stubby fingers.
However, some people with Down Syndrome do not have these physical characteristics that set them apart. Also, they developmental and cognitive delays vary from person to person. People with Down Syndrome have a shorter lifespan. However, recently the life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased. In 1929, their average lifespan was nine years, and now it is common for them to live to age fifty and above.
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/downsyndrome.cfm#DownSyndromeAssociated
Fragile X Syndrome is the most
common cause of an inherited mental impairment. It can be passed on to children, even if there are no apparent symptoms of the disorder in the parents. People are carriers of a certain gene (FMR1) and not even know it. The only way to know this is through genetic counseling. The FMR1 gene mutates in the development of the child and that is how the child could get it. Normally, at least one parent has to be a carrier of the gene, because new mutations are rare. Individuals with fragile X usually
have moderate mental retardation, strength in Gestalt reasoning, and weakness in sequential processing. They are also usually autistic and exhibit ADHD-like behaviors. People with fragile X syndrome have physical attributes that distinguish the disorder, such as a long narrow face, prominent ears, prominent jaw & forehead, high arched palate, flat feet, hyperextensible joints, and enlarged testicles in males. Williams Syndrome is a rare genetic condition (estimated to occur in 1/10,000 births) which causes medical and developmental problems. It is present at birth, and affects males and females equally. It can occur in all ethnic groups and has been identified in countries throughout the world. Individuals who are diagnosed with this disease have a small upturned nose, long philtrum (uppper lip length), wide mouth, full lips, small chin, and puffiness around the eyes. They have heart and blood vessel problems because they are born with small blood vessels, as well as feeding problems. The usually have good verbal and language skills. Individuals with this disease have high death rates.
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is an uncommon genetic disorder. It causes poor muscle tone, low levels of sex hormones and a constant feeling of hunger. The part of the brain that controls feelings of fullness or hunger does not work properly in people with PWS. They overeat, leading to obesity. Babies with PWS are usually floppy, with poor muscle tone, and have trouble sucking. Boys may have undescended testicles. Later, other signs appear. These include:
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. The problems that arise from this often intensify when children grow up. There are many developmental delays that occur with FAS as well as physical attributes that are distinguishable.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0715/p279.html Mental Retardation can be associated with mental disorders having the commonality of head trauma that can result in Mental Retardation and in personality change due to head trauma. The etiological factors are both biological and psychosocial. In approximately 30%-40% of individuals seen in clinical settings, no clear etiology for the Mental Retardation can be determined despite extensive evaluation efforts. Some of these predisposing factors are heredity, alterations of embryonic development, environmental influences, mental disorders, pregnancy and prenatal problems, and general medical conditions acquired in infancy or childhood. Empirically supported treatments Applied behavior analysis is a type of discipline that is applied in a genuine setting such as schools and clinics. This type of analysis deals with socially important issues such as learning disabilities and behavioral
difficulties. (Hagopian & Boelter, 2005) Cognitive and adaptive functioning can also play a role in helping control problems faced with mental retardation. Links
Licenses and AttributionsWhat is the average IQ quizlet?What is the average score on intelligence tests? The average is 100, and the average range is about 85-115 (68% of the population scores in this range).
What is an IQ quizlet?intelligence quotient (IQ) a measure of intelligence originally computed by dividing a person's mental age by his or her chronological age and multiplying the result by 100; now derived from norms provided for standardized intelligence tests. factor analysis.
How is IQ calculated quizlet?IQ = (mental age/chronological age) X 100.
Which pair of individuals is most likely to have the highest similarity in their IQ scores?Which pair of family members is likely to have the most similar IQ scores? Identical twins.
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