Mental Retardation as a Public Health Problem

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Although our mentally defective population is generally estimated at 3% this must be regarded as unreliable, since many people, especially those in poorer minority groups, may score low on psychometric tests because of educational and social deprivation, even when they have a normal biological endownment. Nevertheless, the present community and educational facilities for coping with the widespread problem of mental retardation are certainly inadequate. Since only a small percentage of the mental defectives can be regarded as severely handicapped, prospects for successful training and vocational placement of this group are generally good. Emphasis should be placed on local community organization with a close integration of social work, vocational training and educational, recreational, medical, and placement facilities. Parent groups are being organized throughout the country to urge these developments, but public health people have important opportunities to educate and aid these parent groups in improving and extending facilities. Special education in small classes, under special teachers, should be available. Diagnostic and rehabilitation clinics, preferably under medical control, should be established and federal subsidies for sheltered workshops or local cooperatives should be provided. With adequate community facilities, a large proportion of the retarded population could find a useful place in the community.