The problems of treating the mentally retarded in the community.

There is an irreversible trend towards elimination of large institutions for the care of the mentally retarded. As the role of the institutions decreases, mentally retarded individuals are returning to the community. This trend is dictated not only by the fact that the large institutions have failed in their role, but also by recognition of the retarded person as a handicapped human being with civil rights supported by recent court decisions. The medical care of the mentally retarded requires special skills, considerations and preferably training. It is essential that medical schools place more emphasis in their curriculum on the care of the mentally retarded.