Behavioral Problems in Persons with Mental Retardation - Essay Example

1 - Mental Retardation - 2 - Contents ................................................................................................................................................... 3 Mental Retardation.................................................................................................................................. 4 References................................................................................................................................................ 7 - 3 - Abstract This paper focuses on mental retardation as a developmental disorder with an emphasis on the aspects of the daily life that are affected by this disorder. Daily life is affected with the severity of the disease. Where moderate to severe mental retardation seriously needs to be addressed, mildly retarded children can benefit from attention and care and learn to live independently. On the contrary, moderate and severe retarded children always remain dependant however, their social life can be improved and quality of their life can benefit from the use of techniques at school and home, which focus on the development of cognitive functioning and behavioral modifications. - 4 - Mental Retardation Mental retardation is a type of developmental disability that has deep impact on daily life of an individual. Taking its effect mostly at the time of birth, this developmental disability has serious consequences especially if an individual is severely affected. It actually refers to limitations of cognitive functioning of a person resulting in inability to perform certain functions as communication, self-care and social skills (NewYork-Presbyterian). This leaves child lagging behind other children of his age group, retarding his mental development and growth. With reduced mental functioning, the affected child is left behind in his routine activities. However, he must not be considered ill because of his reduced learning ability. With extra help and care, he can certainly be an important and productive part of the society. With a very depressive fact of incurable nature of this disability, struggle, care and effort can bring many of such children to a point where they are able to perform individually and are no longer placed under the disability category. However, some suffer throughout their lives (Heward, 2006). Mainly caused either genetically, or during pregnancy and labor, almost 87% of the mildly retarded children may not even be diagnosed as retarded. They are only slow in their learning ability and as they approach their adulthood, they may not even be considered so (NYP.org). Mildly retarded adults learn their job responsibilities and skills to such a level that they can live independently or semi-independently (Heward, 2006). Moderate retardation starts becoming obvious in the pre-school years as the child grows. With age, the discrepancies between their cognitive and adaptive functioning get wider and wider, leaving them in difficulty to have a smooth social life. They are more likely to be affected with health and behavioral problems (Heward, 2006). Such children have difficulty in maintaining their social life, academics, communication, conceptual skills, employment and leisure activities (VanGemert, 1998). Severe mental retardation is diagnosed either at birth or immediately after birth. They have significant levels of central nervous damage that is identifiable almost instantly (Heward, 2006). Such children - 5 - never become independent and productive members of the society and must always be under special care and help from their adults. Retarded children need special help and support to sustain their daily activities. Focus must be done on their intellectual skills, adaptive skills, academics, motivation, communication skills, physical traits, and other learned behaviors (Mental Retardation Notes). Early intervention can include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, behavior modification, and other treatment tailored to the individual. In this aspect, cooperation and help are mainly extended from parents, family and friends, educational centers and social services organizations. In case of mild retardation, as the child is a bit slower in his learning ability, he should be encouraged and prepared to meet his problems and learned to live independently. For this, encouragement from family and friends is vital. He must be dealt with intelligently and patiently. Short and simple instructions work best for them. They must be placed in specialized schools who can understand the pace and requirement of such child. To overcome their physical debility, simple exercises must be adopted. Simple understandable rules develop their ability to follow instructions along with physical stability (psychguides.com/living with mental retardation). Social interaction is a must to develop their economic and communication skills. Interaction with children of similar abilities must be ensured to develop their social skills. With age, the child will need to realize his mental setup and must be encouraged to find answer to this. Try to focus on his positive aspects to help them realize their potential. Social organizations provide such children with employment facilities that allow them to be independent and help them socialize. Moderate to severe retardation needs strict observance and support from their family and friends. They should be admitted to specialized schools and organizations that help them learn their basic skills. As such children need care throughout their lives, more patience and care are required. Major focus is to help them learn their daily life activities, such as eating, drinking, self care and self reliance. They are - 6 - trained to improve their social skills using certain behavior modification techniques. Such techniques are almost always effective when children are placed in his similar group. Sadly, such social skills do not improve child’s cognitive functioning and job-retention process (Crites and Dunn, 2004). Improved technique of process training has also been introduced as having affect on cognitive functioning. It focuses not on teaching behavior but on teaching the process of understanding the circumstances and situations and using learned skills to respond to such situations which enhance social competence and job retention (Crites and Dunn, 2004). Techniques as rehearsing and organizing into similar sets should be adopted to enhance memory and learning. Attention to critical features of a task or object can be enhanced by moving from simplified to complex tasks. Techniques must focus on generalization of learning. Motivation and appreciation must be a part of their training as its lack may result in lack of learning and interest due to continued failure (Heward, 2006). Modern technology is overloaded with interactive tools that help build up their interactive and communication abilities to higher levels. Special emphasis must be done on developing their physical strength and mobility via exercise. A healthy body ensures a healthy mind. Environment must be made suitable for them to play and exercise. Make them realize their independence by relying on them for their daily routine activities as dressing, using washrooms, feeding and grooming and provide assistance where necessary. Community-related activities such as recreation and sports help them build health and interactive abilities (NewYork-Presbyterian). Continued research must be done on developing techniques that address cognition of such children and improve their problem solving ability rather than learned behaviors only as this will help them make a productive member of the society. Retarded children must be considered as a part of society and should be accepted socially. The aim of the society should be to incorporate such members into the meshwork of society by introducing specialized schooling and work programs. Special employment facilities must also be introduced to help them realize their self reliance and self esteem. Set realistic goals for your - 7 - child and seek programs according to his interest so that you may integrate your child into the society. - 8 - References VanGemert, G. (1998). Behavioral problems in persons with mental retardation - a pedagogical approach. NADD Bulletin, 1(5), Retrieved from http://thenadd.org/nadd-bulletin/archive/volume-i/ Mental Retardation Notes. (n.d.). Mental retardation. (Masters thesis, University of Alabama) Retrieved from http://www.bamaed.ua.edu/spe300/mental_retardation.html NewYork-Presbyterian. (n.d.). Mental retardation. Retrieved from http://nyp.org/health/mental-retardation.html Psychguides.com. (n.d.). Living with: Mental Retardation. Retrieved from http://www.psychguides.com/living-with-mental-retardation/ Crites Steven A.(2004). Dunn Caroline. Teaching Social Problem Solving to Individuals with Mental Retardation, Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 39(4), 301–309 Heward W. L. (2006). Exceptional Children an Introduction to Special Education, 2006, 145-148 Read More