1. Students with Mental Retardation/ Intellectual Disabilities
Chapter 5

2. What is the History of Mental Retardation/Intellectual Disabilities?
Early History
Rejection and isolation
20th Century
Hospitals and institutions were provided.
Eugenics movement
Rise of advocacy organizations and court challenges
Passage of IDEA in 1975
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3. Why the Use of Two Terms?
Mental Retardation vs. Intellectual Disabilities
Negative connotations for MR, but used in IDEA 04
ID is less stigmatizing, but may be a less clear term than MR
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4. What is the IDEA 04 Definition?
Mental retardation is “significantly sub- average intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.”
IQ below 70
Deficits in adaptive behaviors
Present before age 18
Adversely affects educational performance
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5. How Are Students Classified?
Alabama has only one classification to prevent the label from limiting expectations
Severity (Used in schools since the 1980s and based on IQ)
Mild = 50 to 70, Moderate = 35 to 50
Severe = 20 to 35, Profound = Below 20
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6. What is the Prevalence of Mental Retardation/Intellectual Disabilities?
1% of students in school are classified as having mental retardation.
Overrepresentation of some minority groups – greater likelihood of identification as having mental retardation among African Americans.
56% males (aged 6-17)
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7. What are the Causes of Intellectual Disabilities?
Genetic and Chromosomal – Examples include:
Tuberous Sclerosis, Neurofibromatosis, PKU, Galactosemia, Hurler Syndrome, Tay Sachs, Hunter Syndrome, Lesch-Nyan Syndrome, Fragile X, Rett Syndrome, Down Syndrome
Environmental – Examples include:
Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Radiation, Malnutrition, Maternal Age, Maternal Health, Drug and Substance Abuse, Blood Type Incompatibility
Psychosocial Factors – Examples include:
Poverty, Malnutrition, Inadequate Health Care
May contribute to mental retardation rather than be a direct cause
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8. Can Mental Retardation/Intellectual Disabilities Be Prevented?
Medical Technology and Testing
Magnetic imaging and computer tomography
Amniocentensis and Chorion villus sampling
Good Prenatal Care and Early Intervention Services
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9. What are Possible Characteristics of Students with Intellectual Disabilities?
Difficulties learning
Deficits in social-personal skills
Deficits in adaptive behavior skills
Attention difficulties
Memory deficits
Difficulty transferring and generalizing skills
Speech and Language delays
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10. How are Students with Mental Retardation Identified?
Intelligence Testing (IQ below 70)
Adaptive Skills Assessments (deficits in adaptive skills)
Academic Skills Assessments (adversely affects educational performance)
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11. What Do I Teach Students with Intellectual Disabilities?
Person-centered planning
Basic academic skills
Functional curriculum
Functional academics, independent life skills, self- determination, self-advocacy
Community-based instruction
Transition planning
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12. How Do I Teach Students with Intellectual Disabilities?
Direct instruction with clear objectives, advance organizers, “think-aloud” model, guided practice, independent practice, post-organizers
Focus on task analysis
Focus on sequencing tasks for recognition, recall, reconstruction
Focus on presentation and practice, including use of prompts
Generalization
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13. What Are Considerations for the Instructional Environment?
Create a flexible classroom arrangement
Use natural environments
Location of materials
Provide quiet areas
Provide areas for play and communication
Carrels, tables, desks
Job skills areas
Groupings
Cooperative learning
Peer tutoring
Whole group
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14. What Types of Instructional Technology Can be Used?
Technology that removes barriers
Talking calculators
Voice recognition software
Technology that adapts the curriculum
Use of computers to supplement instruction
Best Buddies International (e-Buddies)
User-friendly materials
Alternative forms of communication
Consider the diverse backgrounds and family needs
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15. What are Some Considerations for the General Education Teacher?
Have high expectations for success
Make accommodations and adapations as needed
Consider cascade of integration options
Plan and explicitly teach skills
Encourage self-determination
Utilize inclusive service-learning
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16. This Week Quiz for Chapter 5
Discussion Board 5 Incredible Edible Lesson Plan. Turn your idea into lesson plan.
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