Mental retardation

Encyclopedia of Medicine, Apr 06, 2001 by Paula Anne Ford-Martin

Immunization against diseases such as measles and Hib prevents many of the illnesses that can cause mental retardation. In addition, all children should undergo routine developmental screening as part of their pediatric care. Screening is particularly critical for those children who may be neglected or undernourished or may live in disease-producing conditions. Newborn screening and immediate treatment for PKU and hyperthyroidism can usually catch these disorders early enough to prevent retardation.

Good prenatal care can also help prevent retardation. Pregnant women should be educated about the risks of drinking and the need to maintain good nutrition during pregnancy. Tests such as amniocentesis and ultrasonography can determine whether a fetus is developing normally in the womb.

• Books
• American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, Inc., 1994.
• Batshaw, Mark L. and Bruce K. Shapiro. "Mental Retardation." In Children with Disabilities, edited by Mark L. Batshaw. 4th edition. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes, 1997.
• Maxmen, Jerrold S. and Nicholas G. Ward. "Disorders Usually First Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence." In Essential Psychopathology and Its Treatment. 2nd ed. New York: W.W. Norton, 1995. Periodicals
• Martin, Barry A. "Primary Care of Adults with Mental Retardation Living in the Community." American Family Physician 56(August 1997): 485-494. Organizations
• American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR). 444 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 846, Washington, D.C. 20001-1512 (800)424-3688. http://www.aamr.org.
• The Arc of the United States (formerly Association for Retarded Citizens of the United States). 500 East Border Street, Suite 300, Arlington, TX 76010. (817)261-6003. http://Thearc.org. Other
• U.S. Department of Justice. Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Homepage. http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm.>