Mental Retardation: Diagnostics
How is Mental Retardation Diagnosed?
Mental retardation is diagnosed by looking at two main things. These are:
- the ability of a person's brain to learn, think, solve problems, and make sense of the world (called IQ or intellectual functioning); and
- whether the person has the skills he or she needs to live independently (called adaptive behavior, or adaptive functioning).
Intellectual functioning, or IQ, is usually measured by an IQ test. The average score is 100. People scoring below 70 to 75 are thought to have mental retardation. To measure adaptive behavior, professionals look at what a child can do in comparison to other children of his or her age. Certain skills are important to adaptive behavior. These are:
- daily living skills, such as getting dressed, going to the bathroom, and feeding one's self;
- communication skills, such as understanding what is said and being able to answer;
- social skills with peers, family members, adults, and others.
Providing services to help individuals with mental retardation has led to a new understanding of how we define mental retardation. After the initial diagnosis of mental retardation is made, we look at a person's strengths and weaknesses. We also look at how much support or help the person needs to get along at home, in school, and in the community. This approach gives a realistic picture of each individual. It also recognizes that the "picture" can change. As the person grows and learns, his or her ability to get along in the world grows as well.
To be eligible for mental retardation services in Texas, an individual must be part of the mental retardation priority population established by Texas law. As Texas' population continues to grow, the number of people requiring mental retardation services increases - sometimes faster than the state can expand services. Therefore, services and supports are provided for those individuals who need them the most- those individuals with the greatest severity of mental retardation. Specifically, this population is comprised of people meeting one or more of the following descriptions:
- Mental retardation as defined by Section 591.003 (13), Title 7, of the Texas Health and Safety Code and includes those persons who possess the following needs:
- Autism and pervasive developmental disorders as defined in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).
- Developmental delays in children under 3 years of age, which leads to eligibility for Early Childhood Intervention Services.
- Eligibility for OBRA ‘87 mandated services for mental retardation or a related condition as per specific legislation.
Remember; do not hesitate to seek help. Places like Texas Panhandle MHMR exist to serve people with mental retardation and their families and to improve their quality of life.
For more information about TPMHMR Mental Retardation Services,
or call 806-358-1681
TPMHMR proudly serves the people of Dallam, Sherman, Hansford, Ochiltree, Lipscomb, Hartley, Moore, Hutchison, Roberts, Hemphill, Oldham, Potter, Carson, Gray, Wheeler, Deaf Smith, Randall, Armstrong, Donley, Collingsworth, and Hall counties.
Disclaimer
