Severe mental retardation is associated with infantile behavior throughout life. The primary goal of treatment is to develop the person's potential to the fullest. Special education and training may begin as early as infancy. This includes social skills to help the person function as normally as possible. It is important for a specialist to evaluate the person for coexisting affective disorders and treat those disorders.
Behavioral approaches are important in understanding and working with mentally retarded individuals.
The outcome is related to the aggressiveness of treatment, personal motivation, opportunity, and associated conditions. Call your health care provider if you have any concerns about your child's development, if you notice a lack of normal development with motor or language skills in a child, or if there are associated disorders that need treatment.