Functioning with Mental Retardation

Functioning with Mental Retardation

Persons with mental retardation function and can thrive within our society. Law enforcement officers who deal with persons with mental retardation need to keep in mind that those persons tend to be nonviolent, few of them are substance abusers, and they do not have a communicable disease.

Persons with mild to moderate retardation:

Differ from persons without retardation only in their rate and degree of intellectual development.

Should have access to and participate in specialized and generic services in the community.

Can live satisfying and productive lives in the community.

Usually lose their identity as retarded when employed and involved in community life.

Persons with severe retardation:

Have a substantially impaired ability to learn.

Frequently have disabilities in addition to mental retardation.

Have poor judgment and may be subject to exploitation by others.

Persons in the latter category often require supervision at home or in employment. If you encounter a person who has severe or profound mental retardation, you should offer some level of protective assistance. Their needs are exactly the same as those without mental retardation -- to be loved, to be important, to be someone, to feel worthwhile, and to have a sense of worth and human dignity.

Texas Mental Health Officer Training \| home Defining Mental Retardation \| Functioning with Mental Retardation \| Factors Indicating Mental Retardation \| Communication and Mental Retardation \| The Criminal Justice System and Persons with Mental Retardation \| Community Resources \| Summary \| Journal Activities and Lesson Exercises
Contact webmaster	Functioning with Mental Retardation Persons with mental retardation function and can thrive within our society. Law enforcement officers who deal with persons with mental retardation need to keep in mind that those persons tend to be nonviolent, few of them are substance abusers, and they do not have a communicable disease. Persons with mild to moderate retardation: Differ from persons without retardation only in their rate and degree of intellectual development. Should have access to and participate in specialized and generic services in the community. Can live satisfying and productive lives in the community. Usually lose their identity as retarded when employed and involved in community life. Persons with severe retardation: Have a substantially impaired ability to learn. Frequently have disabilities in addition to mental retardation. Have poor judgment and may be subject to exploitation by others. Persons in the latter category often require supervision at home or in employment. If you encounter a person who has severe or profound mental retardation, you should offer some level of protective assistance. Their needs are exactly the same as those without mental retardation -- to be loved, to be important, to be someone, to feel worthwhile, and to have a sense of worth and human dignity. Next Page	Table of Contents