UNDERSTANDING MENTAL RETARDATION:
The term 'Mental Retardation' is often misunderstood. Mostly the mentally challenged are able to care for themselves. Actually a person is diagnosed as mentally challenged because of significant low IQ and considerable problems in adopting to everyday life activities.
However, most children with mental retrdation can learn a great deal and, as adults can live partially independent life.
Mental retardation may be complicated by physical and emotional problems. The person may also have difficulty like hearing, sight, speech etc. which lowers his or her potential.


CAUSES AND PREVENTION:

CAUSES:

Mental Retardation is not a disease and is caused due to various ailments, which injure brain or does not allow brain to develop normally. Sometimes it is caused by abnormal genes from parents or genes becoming abnormal during the development of Foetus.
Planning pregnancy is most important. Healthy life-style, good medical care etc. should begin even before and after pregnancy. Also if woman abuse alcohol and drugs, there are chances of developing mentally retarded child/ren.
Premature births, problem during child birth sometimes injures brain leading to mental retardation.Even a young child/ren can develop mental retardation after getting sick with serious infection and illnesses or suffering a bad head injury.

PREVENTION:

* Periodic medical checkups of Mother during pregnancy and child.

* Avoid not prescribed medicines.

* Avoid exposure to radiation such as x-rays , etc.

* Regular immunisation of mother during pregnancy and child.

* Avoid hardwork and hectic activities during pregnancy.

* Deliveries must be conducted by trained persons.

* DIFFERENCES:

MR                                                              MI

1) It is a condition                                    1) It is illness

2) IQ is below 70                                     2) IQ is normal

3) Manifested  till the                             3) Can manifest at any age

    age of 18 years

4) As condition there is no                     4) Can be cured

   cure

5) Developmental delays are                5) No developmental delays are found

    found


LIFE OF MENTALLY CHALLENGED:
Like all kids, mentally challenged need to develop their to skill to the best of their abilities. They need to play and go to school. It is important to respect their feelings since they are as dependent on kindness, acceptance and love as everybody else.

Kids with mild retardation can be accommodated with normal kids but may require a little more help. On completion of normal schooling they are able to perform normal jobs and live on their own.
Kids with moderate and severe retardation requires more help and special schooling to enable them to live a reasonably self dependent life. However , kids with profound retardation and some times persons from other categories of retardation may requires groups homes-special hostels.


EACH ONE OF US IS DIFFERENT, SOME ARE TERRIFIC IN MATHS OR FINE ARTS OR SPORTS, DIFFERENCES DON'T MAKE US WEIRD JUST INDIVIDUALS.