This is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is directly connected to prenatal development. We can identify mental retardation during the time of pregnancy by observing the foetus development. If the foetus development is delayed then the chance of mental retardation is there. But one must also know that delayed growth rate does not always result in mental retardation.

In mental retardation the child has developmental delay like delayed neck control, crawling, walking, and speech which directly influence the cognitive functioning and social maturity of the child. The child’s IQ falls below 70 and for this reason the child has difficulty in learning new material and academic achievement is not up to his/her age level.

Categories of Mental Retardation depends on the level of IQ:
– Mild Mental Retardation (IQ range 50-69)
– Moderate Mental Retardation (IQ range 35-49)
– Severe Mental Retardation (IQ range 20-34)
– Profound Mental Retardation (IQ range below 20)

Treatment: There is no particular treatment which can change or improve the IQ of the child. But we can manage or modify the behaviour of the child. Also a child can learn new material through special education training on the basis of his/her IQ.
– Special Education.
– Speech Therapy.
– Behavior Modification.