Has Severe Mental Retardation?

An individual has severe mental retardation if they have an IQ score of 20-34. Approximately 3-4% of all individuals with mental retardation fall within this category. Individuals with severe mental retardation may learn to talk and communicate although they have only limited speech skills and vocabulary.

What does severe mental retardation mean?

Severe mental retardation is defined by a tested IQ of between 20 to 25 and 35 to 40. ○ Profound mental retardation is defined by a tested IQ of less than 20 to 25. • Approximately 70% of cases of severe to profound mental retardation have a known cause.

What causes severe mental retardation?

Causes of mental retardation include fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect; brain damage caused by the use of prescription or illegal drugs during pregnancy; brain injury and disease; and genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome.