A congenital anomaly is something unusual or different present at birth. Minor anomalies have no serious medical or cosmetic consequences, while major anomalies like cleft lip are of serious consequence. Mental retardation refers to below-average intelligence and adaptive functioning difficulties. It can be caused by infections, genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, trauma, malnutrition or toxic exposure. While impairments limit functioning, disabilities interfere with abilities, and handicaps disadvantage due to disabilities in adjusting to environments.

1. CONGENITAL
ANOMALIES

2. CONGENITAL ANOMALY:
-Something that is unusual or different at birth.
A minor anomaly is defined as an unusual
anatomic feature that is of no serious medical or
cosmetic consequence to the patient. A minor anomaly
of the feet might, for example, be curvature of the
second toe so it overlaps the third toe a little.

3. A major anomaly, by contrast, might be a cleft lip
and palate, a birth defect of serious medical and
cosmetic consequence to the child.
The word "congenital" means "at birth."
"Anomaly" comes from the Greek word
"anomalos" meaning "uneven" or "irregular."

4.  Any loss or abnormality of
psychological, physiological or
anatomical structure or function.
 Impairment refers to a problem
with a structure or organ of the
body

5.  A disability is measurable impairment
or limitation that interferes with a person’s
ability, for example. To walk, lift, hear, or
learn.
 It may refer to the a physical, sensory,
or mental condition (Schiefelbusch
Institute 1996)

6.  Handicap is a disadvantage that
occurs as a result of a disability or
impairment.
 The degree of the disadvantage (or
the extent of the handicap) is often
dependent on the adjustment made
by both the person and his
environment.

7. David is a 4-yr.-old who has a
form of cerebral palsy (CP) called
spastic diplegia. David's CP causes
his legs to be stiff, tight, and
difficult to move. He cannot stand
or walk

8. The inability to move the legs easily
at the joints and inability to bear
weight on the feet is an
impairment.

9. David's inability to walk is a disability.
His level of disability can be improved with
physical therapy and special equipment. For
example, if he learns to use a walker, with
braces, his level of disability will improve
considerably.

10. David's cerebral palsy is handicapping
to the extent that it prevents him from
fulfilling a normal role at home, in
preschool, and in the community.
As he gets older, his handicap will
increase where certain sports and physical
activities are considered "normal" activities
for children of the same age.

11. Mental Retardation refers to significant
sub-average intelligence and deficits in
adaptive behavior. There is difficulty in
managing activities for daily living and in
conducting themselves appropriately in
social situations. This is a condition in
which there is delay or deficiency in all
aspects of development.

12. MENTAL RETARDATION:
Hashan is a four year old boy; he still can't walk
independently, but can take a few steps with
support. He can recognize family members, but
cannot show where his ear and nose are. He can
babble (say ba-ba-ba) but has not learnt to say
any meaningful word. He can't indicate toilet
needs. His parents say that he is like a one-year-
old child in his mental abilities. Hashan has
mental retardation.

13. CAUSES OF MENTAL RETARDATION CAN BE ROUGHLY
BROKEN DOWN INTO SEVERAL CATEGORIES:
o Infections (present at birth or occurring after
birth)
o Chromosomal abnormalities
o Genetic abnormalities and inherited metabolic
disorders
o Nutritional (Malnutrition)
o Toxic
Intrauterine exposure to alcohol, cocaine,
amphetamines, and other drugs

14. o Trauma (before and after birth) Intracranial
hemorrhage before or after birth
-Lack of oxygen to the brain before,
during, or after birth
-Severe head injury

15. NUGGET OF WISDOM
“Our thoughts determine our
responses to life. We are not
victims of the world. To extent
that we control our thought, we
control the world. ”