Abstract
Interest in the different diagnostic groups of the mentally retarded started in the 19th century, but this made little contribution toward better treatment and care. Medical interest was mainly focused on the prevention of mental retardation. It was not until the 1950's and 60's that interest in research in the care and treatment of these persons intensified. The next step, study of the interaction between handicapped persons and the environment is the key to a better understanding of how to plan for work with the handicapped. New members of the therapeutic team (e. g., psychologists, and sociologists) will take over (Edgerton, 1984) if medical groups, especially psychiatrists, do not become more aware of the importance of the interaction between the handicapped and the environment.

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