Barrier-Free World
There are normal milestones that a baby or a young child is expected to achieve by
specific dates in their young lives. Failure to achieve these milestones is often referred
to under the general classification of Developmentally Delayed.
Conditions under this classification vary but may include mental retardation, learning
disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, cerebral palsy, visual impairment,
and/or hearing impairment. Typically, the more severe the condition, the earlier the
child is diagnosed. Depending on the disability, the child may not be completely
diagnosed until after the age of 3 years.
Some risk factors that may influence the health of a baby include prenatal conditions
such as alcohol or drug use, fever, toxemia, or poor nutrition in the mother. Once the
child has been born it may include, prematurity, effects of multiple births, hypoxemia
(lack of oxygen), jaundice, poor nutrition, meningitis, recurrent ear infections, or
seizures, to name a few.
As mentioned previously, multiple conditions may affect a single person, and, the
classification of the underlying condition may not be completely clear. It is important to
note that not everyone who is developmentally delayed has a low IQ.
specific dates in their young lives. Failure to achieve these milestones is often referred
to under the general classification of Developmentally Delayed.
Conditions under this classification vary but may include mental retardation, learning
disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, cerebral palsy, visual impairment,
and/or hearing impairment. Typically, the more severe the condition, the earlier the
child is diagnosed. Depending on the disability, the child may not be completely
diagnosed until after the age of 3 years.
Some risk factors that may influence the health of a baby include prenatal conditions
such as alcohol or drug use, fever, toxemia, or poor nutrition in the mother. Once the
child has been born it may include, prematurity, effects of multiple births, hypoxemia
(lack of oxygen), jaundice, poor nutrition, meningitis, recurrent ear infections, or
seizures, to name a few.
As mentioned previously, multiple conditions may affect a single person, and, the
classification of the underlying condition may not be completely clear. It is important to
note that not everyone who is developmentally delayed has a low IQ.
| Developmentally Delayed |
| We are continuously updating this site. If you have suggestions or questions please email us at info@sterlingfrazer.com |
| The National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) recognizes that there is a debate about the use of the term "mental retardation" and that self-advocacy groups and professional associations are currently discussing alternative terms. Until a consensus is reached, and within the context of addressing heath-related issues faced by people with what has traditionally been known as "mental retardation," it will continue to use this term to describe some of the characteristics of conditions affecting the lives of some individuals. One alternative that is sometimes used is referring to a person having a Cognitive Disability. |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| What is Intelligence? Intelligence refers to a general mental capability. It involves the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly, and learn from experience. Although not perfect, intelligence is represented by Intelligent Quotient (IQ) scores obtained from standardized tests given by a trained professional. In regard to the intellectual criterion for the diagnosis of mental retardation, mental retardation is generally thought to be present if an individual has an IQ test score of approximately 70 or below. It is important to remember, however, that an IQ score is only one aspect in determining if a person has mental retardation. Significant limitations in adaptive behavior skills and evidence that the disability was present before age 18 are two additional elements that are critical in determining if a person has mental retardation. |