I chose to write about this topic, simply because I feel like people don't know how to properly use the term "retard". The term is technically "Intellectual Disability." It is a condition that develops before the age of 18 that includes below average intellectual function and the lack of skills needed for daily living activities. To sum it up: It basically means the person's brain didn't develop properly.
Most people don't know that there are multiple levels of intellectual disabilities: mild, moderate, severe and profound. It describes the IQ level and abilities to perform basic living activities.
Mild ID may include:
- taking longer to talk, but communicating well once in conversation.
- having problems with reading and writing
- having an IQ range of 50-69
Moderate ID may include:
- may have difficulties in communicating
- generally unable to live alone
- having an IQ range of 35-49
Severe ID may include:
- severe damage to the central nervous system
- having an IQ range of 20-34
Profound ID may include:
- incontinence
- nonverbal communication
- having an IQ of less than 20
People with various forms of IDs can learn to do a lot of things, but they just learn at a slower pace. Those with mild to moderate ID can live a functional life without assistance while those with severe to profound may need assistance with daily living activities. It does not mean they do not understand what is happening around them.
Source:
Johnson, S. (n.d.). What causes mental retardation? 17 possible conditions. Retrieved October 04, 2016, from http://www.healthline.com/symptom/mental-retardation
I really really like this article and the topic you have chosen. There is so much stigma surrounding mental illness and so much that false information surrounding it. I, myself, do not misuse the "r" word (I don't even like saying it) and will always correct people who say it. I have babysat for a boy who has an intellectual disability and know there is so much more to it than people think. I love how you put the difference forms of intellectual disability because many people do not realize the differences. This is a blog that a lot of people need to read and intellectual disability awareness is very important.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting & prevalent topic in society today. I think that it was very important that you distinguished what the different levels of intellectual disability are because I feel like some people might not even know that there is any difference between them. I didn't know that there were so many!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your topic because using the term "retard" is very wrong. I remember participating in a program in High School, where you spread the word to. It was in regards to stop the use of the "R" word. I like how you included the different IDs and the levels of intellectual disability. I did not know there were multiple ID levels, I just thought one fall on either end the spectrum.
ReplyDeleteAmijah, I LOVE this post! I have worked with and taken care of adults with intellectual disabilities for 3 years now, and I absolutely love it. With my health administration degree, it is what I want to do. I want to help people who may be diagnosed with a disability, or labeled "different" by society. People NEED to be informed on what exactly an intellectual disability is, and how to handle it, and I think most importantly what to say. I love how you started out this post by saying that the word "retard" is not correct. Actually, I believe that it is offensive. Anywhere I go I make note to let people know about this, and I am SO glad that you shed some light on it in your blog post. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great topic because I feel like a lot of people simply get uncomfortable if they are around people with disabilities if they have never been in that situation before. Personally I have an uncle with a disability so I have the background knowledge and understand but some poeple just don't ans it is very unfortunate. good post, this topic needs more time in the spot light in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteSo many people do not know how to properly talk about intellectual disabilities. Not because they are trying to rude, but because they do not know how to talk about.
ReplyDelete