Departments

Psychological Services

Mental Retardation

Mental retardation is characterized by the following:

1. Significantly below average intellectual functioning (IQ of 70 or below as measured by an individually administered intelligence test).
2. Concurrent deficits in adaptive functioning skills in at least two of the following areas: communication, self care, daily living skills, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self direction, functional academic skills, work, leisure, health, and safety. Deficits in these areas usually mean that the person is not able to meet the standards expected for his/her age peers.

The onset of mental retardation occurs before age eighteen.