Mental retardation
Diagnosis
If mental retardation is suspected, a comprehensive physical examination and medical history
should be done immediately to discover any organic cause of symptoms. Such conditions as
hyperthyroidism and PKU are treatable. If these conditions are discovered early, the progression
of retardation can be stopped and, in some cases, partially reversed. If a neurological cause such
as brain injury is suspected, the child may be referred to a neurologist or neuropsychologist for
testing.
A complete medical, family, social, and educational history is compiled from existing medical
and school records (if applicable) and from interviews with parents. Children are given
intelligence tests to measure their learning abilities and intellectual functioning. Such tests
include the
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
, the Wechsler Intelligence Scales, the Wechsler
Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, and the
Kaufman Assessment Battery for
Children
. For infants, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development may be used to assess motor,
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- Fall '09
- SCHEFF
- Mental retardation, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Wechsler Intelligence Scales, mentally retarded children, retarded children
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