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Mental Retardation

Mental retardation is a general term to describe individuals who have difficulties with both intellectual functioning and adaptive (everyday living) skills. It can also be referred to as developmental disability, cognitive impairment and intellectual disability. Approximately 2% of the general population has some degree of mental retardation. Mental retardation is a variable condition with the majority of individuals functioning in the mild range.

Symptoms

• Delay of developmental milestones in childhood, such as walking and talking
• Difficulty/delays with learning academic skills
• Difficulty/delays with learning daily living skills
• Less than 75 on IQ testing

Causes/Risk Factors

• Mental retardation is a general term, there are different causes. Some of the most common causes are:
  • Genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome.
  • Metabolic conditions such as extreme low blood sugar or severe jaundice.
  • Prenatal exposures to infections, alcohol, disease, certain medications, etc.
• Having a family history of mental retardation increases the risk of having a child with mental retardation

Genetic Test/Carrier Screen

The following genetic tests may be appropriate based on your personal and/or family history.

• Diagnostic testing for certain genetic syndromes
  
  • Amniocentesis
  • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
• Maternal serum screening
  
  • First trimester screening or nuchal translucency screening
  • Second trimester (triple or quad) screening
  • Integrated or sequential screening
• Targeted ultrasound examination

See our pre-conception and prenatal services

Schedule an Appointment

To speak with a board-certified genetic counselor about your risks for this disease:

• Schedule genetic counseling appointment online
• Or call 1-800-975-4819
• Send email