Detailed Information on Mental Handicap

A person who has a mental handicap generally tends to learn slowly and may also have a limited ability to learn. It is estimated that from 30 to 87 per cent of distinctive with a mental handicap have associated conditions requiring some level of attention. Up to 30 per cent may have epilepsy or cerebral palsy. In addition, sensory, speech and language, behavioural and psychiatric needs can be associated with mental handicap. Malnutrition is a common cause of reduced intelligence in parts of the world affected by famine, such as Ethiopia. Prenatal and postnatal trauma are also common causes, including intracranial hemorrhage, hypoxic injuries (often due to cerebral palsy), and head injuries. Certain infectious diseases can also lead to mental handicaps when they result in complications.

Measles, chicken pox, and whooping cough may lead to encephalitis or meningitis, which can cause brain damage. Other infections, including congenital rubella, toxoplasmosis, and HIV can also lead to mental handicaps. Institutionalisation at a young age can cause mental retardation in normal children. Non-inherited metabolic disorders, including Reye's syndrome, hypernatremic dehydration, and hypoglycemia may lead to mental disability. Exposure to toxins, such as lead and mercury, can cause brain damage, as can the mother's use of alcohol or drugs. There are sevral classifical of mental handicap. First is Mild learning disability: IQ 50-70, approximately 85% of cases. Second is Moderate: IQ 35-49, approximately 10% cases; use simple language when talking but understand speech better.

Third is Severe: IQ 20-34, approximately 3-4% cases: many able to look after themselves with careful supervision. Fourth Profound: IQ less than 20, approximately 1-2% cases. Most adults with learning disability have very limited economic resources. The primary goal for treating someone who is mentally handicapped is to develop the person's possibility for achievement to its fullest. Special education programs often begin as early as infancy to help the child develop language and social skills, which are level at helping the person function as normally as possible as an adult. Individuals who are mildly handicapped can develop new skills and abilities through early intervention and specialized education. Early and effective management of problems in the neonatal period and early childhood.

Mental HandicapTreatment Tips

1. Severely handicapped individuals require more support.

2. Psychotropic drugs are often used but rarely produce significant benefits.

3. Behavioural treatment methods for self-injury in learning disability are probably effective.

4. Often require a segregated education program developed to meet their individual needs.

5. Special education programs often begin as early as infancy to help the child mature language and social skills.