Pediatric Mental Retardation
No parent wants to hear a diagnosis of pediatric mental retardation. However, depending on the actual diagnosis there are several things that can be done to help the situation. There are multiple levels of mental retardation, and a mental deficit doesn't necessary mean you or your child will have a rough life. It's important to understand as much as you can about the diagnosis to know how to help your child best.
Once pediatric mental retardation has been diagnosed, there are different types of unique treatments that can be done. Certain needs will require some additional understanding. Not all doctors and psychiatrists are equipped to handle every type of developmental disability. Finding the right doctor with the right information is key in improving the quality of their life.
Definition
Mental retardation is basically caused from deficit development. It starts in childhood and can end up resulting in cognition, intellect and adaptation limitations that can be significant. This can affect a child's everyday life. While this is not to be viewed as a disease, it is a consequence of a pathogenic process.
Diagnosis
If the child's IQ is below 70, then this can become part of the diagnosis. Any impairments as well as adaptive functioning in at least two of the areas pertaining to everyday life would result in this diagnosis as well. These areas include home living, communication, interpersonal and social skills, work, safety, health, self care, self direction, leisure, functional academic skills and the use of community resources. For a pediatric mental retardation diagnosis these need to be recognized prior to the child turning 18.
Causes
Some of the more common causes of mental retardation include any alterations in the embryonic development. This can include drugs, toxins, fetal exposure or any chromosomal abnormality. Autism is another cause as well as any other mental disorder or environmental deprivation. If there were any issues during the pregnancy, this could put the fetus at risk. This could include trauma, hypoxia, fetal malnutrition, prematurity or infection.