The document defines mental retardation as an intellectual disorder characterized by below average mental abilities or intelligence. People with mental retardation learn new skills more slowly. Mental retardation is measured using an IQ score below 70 and can range from mild to severe. The causes of mental retardation include genetic disorders, problems during pregnancy or infancy such as lack of oxygen, and biological, metabolic, prenatal, or psychosocial risk factors. Prevention efforts include good prenatal care, genetic counseling, screening tests during pregnancy, and early intervention therapies for infants and children. Treatment includes speech, occupational, physical and motor therapies as well as special education programs.