Myths About Persons
Who Have Mental Retardation
Myth 1: Mental retardation is the same as mental "illness".
Fact: Mental retardation means that a person develops mentally at a below average rate. He or she may have difficulty in learning and social adjustment, but can learn. With the appropriate intervention and education, he or she can lead a satisfying and productive life in the community.
Myth 2: Mental retardation is a contagious disease.
Fact: Mental retardation is not a disease and is certainly not contagious. It is a condition which affects an individual because of some change or damage with the developing brain and neurological system.
Myth 3: Persons who are severely and profoundly mentally retarded must be locked away in institutions for their own, and society's, safety.
Fact: Systematic training efforts have proven that most people with severe and profound mental retardation can learn to at least care for their basic needs. Many can perform useful work with support and can otherwise adapt to normal patterns of life. It has been proven that the most effective environment for everyone to learn and develop is one which is in the community and which offers a family-like atmosphere of caring and nurturing.
Myth 4: Educational and vocational training will not help persons who are mentally retarded.
Fact: Most persons with mental retardation can learn, although at a slower rate, and are capable of living in the community with little or no support services. Early intervention is a major emphasis since it is proven that the sooner a person is diagnosed as having mental retardation and appropriate programming is started, the more productive and capable he or she will be for a meaningful life in the community. Vocational programs offer a variety of services to prepare individuals for work. They may learn a trade or receive supported employment help to find a job in a competitive work environment.
Myth 5: We do not know what causes mental retardation and it cannot be prevented.
Fact: Mental retardation can be caused by any condition which impairs development of the brain during birth or in early childhood. More than 250 causes have been discovered but they account for only one-fourth of the causes of mental retardation.
The most well-known are:
Rubella, or German measles, in the pregnant woman
Meningitis
Toxoplasmosis
RH Factor
Chromosomal abnormalities (i.e., Down Syndrome)
Mental retardation can be prevented in some cases. Some prevention strategies include:
Access to good prenatal and postnatal care for mother and child.
Improved nutrition in pregnant women and infants.
Avoiding the use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy.
Newborn screening, such as PKU, to detect disorders like hypothyroidism.
Routine screening and immunizations of mothers to prevent RH blood Factor.
Use of child seats and seat belts to prevent head injuries.
Screening for lead poisoning for all children under age 5.
Persons who have mental retardation are PEOPLE FIRST. They have the same needs and desires as everyone else. Treat them as individuals. Recognize their ABILITIES and not their disabilities.