WHAT IS MENTAL RETARDATION/DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY?
A. MENTAL RETARDATION B. DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Autism Spectrum Disorder Cerebral Palsy Epilepsy Musculo-skeletal Disorders Neuromuscular Disorders Traumatic Brain Injury C. MENTAL ILLNESS IN PEOPLE WITH MENTAL RETARDATION MENTAL RETARDATION In Texas, mental retardation (MR) is legally defined as a condition that appears before age 18 in which intelligence is significantly below average, and personal care and social behaviors do not meet what is expected for the person’s age and culture. It occurs during the developmental phase of life and is classified as one of the many developmental disabilities. An individual is considered to have mental retardation based on the following three criteria (Texas Department of Mental Health Mental Retardation [TDMHMR], 1994): • Intellectual functioning level (IQ) is below 70. • Significant limitations exist in two or more adaptive skill areas (daily living skills needed to live, work, and play in the community). • The condition is present from chi
