Mental Retardation and Autism
Autism is not a disorder that has not the same severity for every individual having it, so it affects individuals differently. In the extreme conditions of autism, epilepsy, sleeping problems, mental retardation and aggression can be observed.
Are Autism and Mental Retardation the Same?
In fact, an individual has mental retardation not because he/she is a person with autism. On the contrary, 70% of children having mental retardation also have autism. Children with mental retardation may exhibit autistic behavior although they do not show all the symptoms of autism.
The mental abilities of children with autism does not improve sufficiently. In general, 50% of children with autism were found to have intelligence below 50. In children who have severe autism, these symptoms are observed intensely, while in children with mild autism, speech, language and communication skills are acquired faster and they are able to receive the same education with their peers.
Criteria for Diagnosis of Mental Retardation
Mental retardation can be observed at different rates in autism. In order to diagnose mental retardation in an individual, he/she has to be under 18 years of age. If an individual under the age of 18 is experiencing communication problems, unable to meet his or her specific needs after puberty, cannot benefit from the opportunities available in the society, is insufficient about the health and safety issues, and he/she has at least two of these symptoms, then he/she is diagnosed with mental retardation.
Levels of mental retardation
Levels of mental retardation are analyzed in 4 groups:
At mild mental retardation, intelligence level is between 50-55 and 70. Even though they have difficulties in speaking, they do not have problems in daily conversations. Motor development is normal and they can do routine work. 85% of the people with mental retardation are in this group. When they become adults, they can live on their own, can have social and professional skills.
In moderate mental retardation, level of intelligence is between 35-45 and 50-55. They experience lack of speaking, comprehension, motor skills and self-care skills with respect to their peers. They need special training. While they succeed in reading and writing at the second grade level, they also learn how to count. Adults with moderate mental retardation can work in jobs that require moderate skills.