Mental retaradation today.

Mental retardation is an impairment of intellect in which the intelligence quotient is less than 85. It is a symptom which has more than 100 known causes. Mental retardation should be diagnosed early in life. There are many specific conditions for which therapy is available and many less specific contributing causes which may be obviated by sound medical care. Many of these are reviewed. Since 90% of retarded children will remain in the community, suggestions for management of the child and the problems of the family were included. The function of the special clinic for retarded children was briefly stated. Early separation of the child from the family was discouraged, and the principal reasons for long-term residential care were stated.