It is a shocking and alarming fact that approximately 2.5 to 3% of the total population are mentally retarded which in most cases is a lifelong condition. Mental retarded children at homes are lifelong pain for parents. Proper handling and treatment can make them to live self sufficiently. Mental retardation is a developmental disability that can appear from the very birth of a child.
People who are mentally retarded function at an intellectual level that is below average and have difficulties with learning and daily living skills. It is a misconception that mental disabilities are related to gender or race. Conceptual skills like language, social skills like interaction with others and practical skills like self care are lacking in people classified as mentally retarded. Children labeled as such need special care to overcome social, intellectual and physical disabilities.
If you doubt that your child lack mental abilities the first thing to be done is to assess to what degree your child is mentally retarded. Approach a professional who can test your child's IQ and age expectations to see if he is mildly or severely retarded. Once your child is tested a retarded one, equip yourself with knowledge on mental retardation. Find out the causes, degrees of retardation and how to cope with it. Special care and attention are essential for a mentally retarded child to cop up with people around.
The term "mental retardation" is often misunderstood and seen as derogatory. People often think that retardation happens only when the person is below normal intelligence and that retarded person is unable to learn to care for themselves. However, most children with mental retardation can learn a great deal, and as adults can lead at least partially independent lives.
No one other than parents can make significant changes in the lives of retarded children. Give an extra share of love, care and concern to retarded children. Allow the child with mental retardation to stay in the family and take part in community life to learn and pick up himself; even though slowly. Today there are no common training methods for retarded children as each person requires training methods based on the level of retardation and skills to learn. Parents can with the help of a professional prepare various training methods for their retarded child. Mental retardation may be complicated by physical and emotional problems. The child may also have difficulty with hearing, sight or speech. All these problems can lower the child's potential.
It is a less suggestible idea that you separate retarded child from family. In the presence of loving parents retardants have doubled chances of picking up fast. When educating your child prepare a special curriculum tailored to his needs. Involve your mentally challenged child in extracurricular activities to foster social interaction. If your mentally retarded child has a language development disability, try using sign language to communicate. The aim of the training given to a retardant is to make him/her self dependent. Therefor more than bookish knowledge give importance to teach them day today skills.
A retarded child should never feel that he is neglected or avoided in his family. Help them to be a part of family occasions and get together's. Never shut them in a room for life long. Let them live in touch with the outer world, take them for a walk or shopping. Teach siblings to see the retarded child as their own brother or sister. Never feel ashamed of a retarded child as he/she is also your child with all the rights for your love and care.
By: Saneesh Michael
Source: http://living.oneindia.in/relationship/parents-and-children/parenting-mentally-retarded-children.html
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
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