Mentally retarded children have below average intellectual functioning and struggle with independence, adapting to changes, and following instructions compared to their peers. They are classified based on IQ scores as imbeciles, idiots, or morons. The causes of mental retardation include genetic factors, injuries during birth, and postnatal infections or malnutrition. When educating mentally retarded children, schools should provide an individualized curriculum and teaching methods in a supportive environment to help them develop skills and maximize their abilities.

1. MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN (M-R CHILDREN)

2. . Children with less than average
mental ability are called mentally
retarded. A M-R child is one who
shows significantly subnormal
general intellectual functioning

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF M-R CHILD

4. They are dependent and feel difficulty
in managing themselves
In comparison with children of their
own age, their rate of intellectual
development is too low.

5. They feel difficulty in shifting from
one type of activity to another
They are very poor at following
general verbal instruction.

6. Imbeciles : IQ -25 to 50
Idiots : IQ- below 25
Morons : IQ- 51 to 70
CLASSIFICATION OF M-R CHILDREN
IQ has been taken as the criterion of the
classification of M-R children.

7. CAUSES OF MENTAL RETARDATION

8. Genetic factors

9. Head injuries that the child
receives when mechanical
devices are used during delivery

10. Post natal factors like head
injuries due to accident,
infections, diseases in early
childhood and malnutrition
etc.

11. EDUCATION OF M-R CHILDREN

12. The special school should provide the
environment essential for maximum
development of the abilities and capacities of all
mental retarded children.
Curriculum, methods of teaching and tools for
evaluation should adjusted according to their
individual needs.

13. .
The learning task should be brief and
uncomplicated
They may be helped to acquire self
managing skills

14. The parents should be educated to behave
normally with their M-R child without being over
protective or rejective.
Use flexible curriculum

15. .
Homogeneous grouping
Provide adequate guidance and counseling

16. PRESENTED BY
SHYAMILI T V