What’s IQ Got to Do With It?

IQ. . . What is it? IQ stands for intelligence quotient, and is a measure often used to determine whether a child is intellectually below average. It is written as a percentage, such as: In other words, if a child is chronologically age eight, but functions at the intellectual age of a four year old, her IQ would be 4/8 = 50% = “50.” In most cases, a normal IQ is considered to be between the range of 90 – 110. And an IQ of 100 would be absolutely average for that child’s age. A child with an IQ between … Continue reading →

Mental Retardation – Criteria and Lingering Questions

I must admit, I hesitated to write this blog. Experience has shown that some parents are extremely sensitive to the use of the term “mental retardation” when describing their children. I absolutely understand this. There can be very negative connotations with those two words, especially when neuro-typical kids use “retard” as a playground slur. I considered calling the blog “Cognitive Disabilities” or “Cognitive Delays,” but all the current literature I ran across (as recent as 2006) still use “mental retardation” (MR) as the diagnostic term to describe intellectual ability that is significantly below average. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of … Continue reading →

Should a Severely Disabled Girl Be Allowed to Grow Up?

It’s a question I would never have considered possible. But today I read an article that was both fascinating and troubling. PEOPLE magazine reported the heart-wrenching story of a nine-year-old girl with severe disabilities, and her parent’s controversial decision to use hormones to halt her growth and physical maturation. (PEOPLE, “Girl, Interrupted,” January 22, 2007, by Macon Morehouse.) Ashley, from Seattle, has static encephalopathy, a condition of the brain which has left her developmentally like an infant. She is unable to walk, speak, and is typically seen propped with pillows, because she dislikes being strapped to her wheelchair in an … Continue reading →

“His Life Is Definitely Not a Struggle.” A Mother of a Child with Down Syndrome Shares Her Story

The following is an interview I had with Valle Dwight. Valle was a reader who sent me a private message correcting my terminology in a previous blog about mental retardation. I agreed with her concerns and removed my blog. Valle was so insightful and positive that I wanted to give her the opportunity to share her story. I continue to be impressed by her and am sure you will enjoy reading this interview. 1. Tell us a little about your family. “My husband and I have been married for 16 years. We have two boys, 13 and 10. Our youngest … Continue reading →

“Will You Marry Me?” A Special Kind of Love

It isn’t often known that individuals with Down Syndrome can live long lives, many well into their fifties, sixties, and beyond. That means that you’re likely to see people with DS out in the work force, living on their own, and even marrying. Parents of children with DS should plan well in advance for their children to transition into these adult life experiences. Medical advances and high-quality care has improved life expectancy and the quality of life for these kids. In fact, 80 percent of DS children will live beyond the age of fifty-five. This is exciting, and yet a … Continue reading →

What Causes Down Syndrome?

It might surprise you to learn that “Down Syndrome” is the most commonly occurring genetic condition causing mental retardation in humans. Approximately 1 in 733 babies are born with the syndrome, and approximately 350,000 people have Down Syndrome in the United States alone. It was given its name when a physician, Dr. John Langdon Down, published an accurate description of the features and similarities of people with the syndrome in 1866. He was then considered the “father” of the disorder, and it was given his name. Why does it occur? Down Syndrome occurs because of an error in cell division, … Continue reading →