Mentally Challenged

There are many degrees and types of mental disabilities. We are not speaking here of “mental Illnesses”, but of developmental disabilities, birth defects or impairments caused by physical trauma, etc. Individuals who are mentally challenged have below average IQs and often have problems with social behavior. They may progress through various developmental stages, but at a much slower rate than their non-disabled peers.  

90% of individuals who are mentally challenged fall into the category of having a mild developmental disability. They have the ability to learn basic academic subjects such as reading, simple mathematics, and social sciences.  They may speak in complex sentences, but comprehension of abstract concepts or steps of logical reasoning are difficult for them.  

Individuals who are moderately mentally challenged through creative repetition, are able to learn communication, social and occupational skills. Their curriculum in school is chiefly functional, concentrating on teaching them to survive in their world; and academics are held to a bare minimum. Their language is sometimes limited, and their appearance is often different than their non-disabled peers. They also require attentive supervision. 

A person who has severe or profound mentally challenges have extremely limited abilities; many have multiple disabilities. Their disabilities are physically noticeable, and most of them cannot communicate verbally. They may, however, show positive response to various stimuli. Some may be taught the most basic of self-care routines (feeding, bathing, toileting), but most require complete care.

Depending on the degree of disability, the person might:

• Exhibit poor motor and eye/hand coordination
• Have a short attention span
• Have a low frustration level
• Learn best by imitation (proper role is important)
• Have poor abstract reasoning ability
• Have difficulty seeing fine detail
• Have little self-direction in choosing activities
• Exhibit inappropriate behavior
• Have a physical appearance you may initially find disturbing
• Be overly affectionate, wanting to cling or hug.

When Working With A Person Who is Mentally Challenged

• Keep directions simple
• Provide motivation with frequent praise
• It may be necessary to repeat directions often, exercising extreme patience
• Use simple procedures and terms which they will be familiar
• Use multi-sensory approaches
• Allow and encourage the person to accomplish each task on his/her own
• If a person finds a process too difficult, take his/her hands and guide them through the motions
• Remember that these individuals are capable of learning and are able to appreciate new experiences.