Overall Goals of Treatment of Mental Retardation

Overall Goals of Treatment of Mental Retardation

Mental retardation is a functional disability: thus, the goal of treatment should be to reduce or eliminate the disability. There are three aspects to the treatment:

·   Treatment of the underlying disorder that is causative of men-tal retardation (e.g., phenylketonuria – PKU).

·   Treatment of the comorbid disorders that add to the functional disability, whether physical or mental.

·   Interventions targeted at the functional disability of the men-tal retardation itself: educational, habilitative and supportive approaches depending on the person’s individualized needs.

The current approach to the services for persons with men-tal retardation is based on the following principles:

·           Inclusion into normal aspects of society and opportunities for success

·           Right to community living

·           Education and training for all children

·           Employment of adults in the community

·           Use of normal community services and facilities

·           Advocacy and appropriate protective measures