Mental retardation is a term used when a
person has certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills
such as communicating, taking care of him or herself, and social
skills. These limitations will cause a child to learn and develop more
slowly than a typical child. Children with mental retardation may take
longer to learn to speak, walk, and take care of their personal needs
such as dressing or eating. They are likely to have trouble learning
in school. They will learn, but it will take them longer. There may be
some things they cannot learn. Learn more at
http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs8txt.htm.
User’s
Guide: Mental Retardation: Definition, Classification, and Systems of
Supports (10th Ed.) (2007) - This
booklet explains how the supports-based AAIDD definition of
intellectual disability is related to the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other contemporary practices,
including educating students in least restrictive settings, using
supplementary aides and services to support classroom learning,
providing access to the general curriculum, and creating
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students. Available in PDF.
Death Row
Decisions - When Daryl Renard Atkins was in
school, no one came to the conclusion that he was mentally
retarded—or even in need of special education.
