THE MENTALLY RETARDED ADOLESCENT

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Abstract
The cases of 44 adolescents referred to the University of Washington Adolescent Clinic for evaluation of actual or suspected mental retardation were reviewed. The concerns presented by the parents regarding their teenager's behavior often differed from the problems identified by the professional staff and the school personnel. This difference was particularly significant with respect to problems relating to dependency and immaturity. While parents were usually more anxious about sexual behavior and aggressiveness, professional workers frequently viewed immaturity, lack of self-help skills, and unfulfilled training potential as the major problems needing attention. This discrepancy often made parent-professional communication and planning difficult. An increasing amount of attention must be devoted to the retarded adolescent, if his maximum potential is to be realized and if he is to become a productive member of the community. The retardate needs appropriate sex education, guidance regarding his behavior, and assistance with his educational placement and vocational training. The problems presented by most retarded adolescents are too complex for families to handle without professional assistance. Therefore, the physician must be willing to assume a continuing responsibility in planning for the retarded individual.

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