ABSTRACT
Mental retardation is also referred to as one type of the more general term “developmental disability”. It is important to note that in defining and assessing intellectual disability, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) stresses that professionals must take additional factors into account, such as the community environment typical of the individual’s peers and culture. Professionals should also consider linguistic diversity and cultural differences in the way people communicate, move, and behave. The causes of mental retardation include genetics, prenatal issues, lack of oxygen at birth, and/or other health problems. Many experts in the field of special education prefer to utilize the term developmental disability to either mental retardation or intellectual disabilities. Children diagnosed with specific intellectual disabilities, such as developmental delay or mental retardation, prior to the age of 3 are provided with support services through Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) programs.
