Mental Retardation Treatment - Behavioral, Social and Educational

Tammi Reynolds, BA & Mark Dombeck, Ph.D.

Behavioral, Social, and Educational Treatment Modalities

Although mental retardation is often initially caused by a medical problem, medical treatments alone are quite inadequate for treating the intellectual and social deficits associated with mental retardation as an ongoing condition. The majority of mental retardation treatment is therefore behavioral, social, and educational in nature, rather than primarily medical.

Current thinking regarding the design of treatment programs for addressing the needs of the mentally retarded population suggests that a coordinated interdisciplinary effort can produce the best results. Accordingly, behavior therapists, speech and occupational therapists, special education specialists, case managers, and social workers work together to create and implement mental retardation care programs in most communities. These professionals collaborate with the individual's family and community services to develop individualized treatment plans specific to each affected individual's strengths and needs.

Early intervention is crucial in order to ensure optimal development of mentally retarded children. Intervention programs are offered beginning as young as birth through two years of age. These programs serve multiple functions: They inform parents and primary caretakers about early development; they provide interventions designed to help children grow and learn; and they collaborate with families to design treatment plans to help children function to the best of their abilities. Settings for these programs include home, school, and community.