Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Types of Therapy for Mental Retardation?

Tara Barnett
Tara Barnett

Therapy for mental retardation is often designed to help a person to cope with daily life rather than fix the underlying problem. As such, it is common for this type of therapy to address social, occupational, or practical considerations. In some unique cases, therapy can improve a mentally disabled person's overall intelligence and ability to function, but this depends on the type of retardation and the stage at which the problem is caught. Due to the complexity of this disorder, therapy for mental retardation usually involves a group of strategies rather than a single method.

Some of the most important types of therapy for mental retardation teach life skills to individuals who function at a high enough level to live independently. These skills are important not only for the individual's safety, but also for his or her sense of self-worth. Occupational therapy for mental retardation helps individuals live life in a way that they believe is satisfying. In certain types of mental retardation, therapy that teaches social skills or helps promote competent human interaction is important. This is often in the same treatment plan as types of therapy that teach life skills, but social skills can sometimes be more difficult to grasp than practical concerns.

Individuals with mental retardation may possess distinguishable facial features.
Individuals with mental retardation may possess distinguishable facial features.

Medical therapy for mental retardation can occasionally improve or even reverse this condition if applied early enough. This is true of retardation caused by hyperthyroidism and occasionally of brain damage in very young children. It is important to understand that not all types of mental retardation can be cured and that the definition of retardation is extremely broad.

Occupational therapy is often used to help those with intellectual disabilities to improve their ability to move their bodies.
Occupational therapy is often used to help those with intellectual disabilities to improve their ability to move their bodies.

For some people, family therapy can help the family unit cope with mental retardation more effectively. This in turn can provide additional support to the individual with mental retardation. Having a strong social support system is essential to maximizing an individual's functionality in daily life. Therapy of this type not only provides mental peace to family members but also improves the mentally disabled individual's chances of success.

Therapy for mental retardation is often designed to help a person to cope with daily life rather than fix the underlying problem.
Therapy for mental retardation is often designed to help a person to cope with daily life rather than fix the underlying problem.

In severely disabled individuals, no type of therapy will lead to an independent life or improved mental function. For these people, therapy designed to promote cooperation with daily tasks can be helpful. Mentally disabled patients who must be cleaned, cared for, and manually moved can be taught to cooperate with these procedures when provided by trusted individuals. This type of therapy can reduce stress for both the disabled individual as well as any caretakers. If started during childhood, this type of therapy can also reduce the chances of injury when the individual becomes an adult.

Discussion Comments

Heavanet

@ocelot60- Some talk therapy is also good for people who have developmental challenges. Just like anyone else, challenged individuals have the need to discuss emotional problems and concerns, and may have trouble finding people they can relate to.

Ocelot60

For developmentally disabled clients that are able to live independently, helping them get involved in activities in which they can be social is the best type of therapy. Whether going on a shopping trip or enjoying a sporting event, getting out with others helps developmentally challenged individuals adapt and thrive.

Most communities have organizations that help fulfill the needs of developmentally challenged clients, including their social needs. Any person with a need can participate.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Individuals with mental retardation may possess distinguishable facial features.
      By: muro
      Individuals with mental retardation may possess distinguishable facial features.
    • Occupational therapy is often used to help those with intellectual disabilities to improve their ability to move their bodies.
      By: g215
      Occupational therapy is often used to help those with intellectual disabilities to improve their ability to move their bodies.
    • Therapy for mental retardation is often designed to help a person to cope with daily life rather than fix the underlying problem.
      By: Jaren Wicklund
      Therapy for mental retardation is often designed to help a person to cope with daily life rather than fix the underlying problem.
    • Memory problems and short attention spans are common signs of mental retardation.
      By: kmiragaya
      Memory problems and short attention spans are common signs of mental retardation.
    • Art programs can provide therapy and stimulation for people dealing with mental retardation.
      By: Photoman
      Art programs can provide therapy and stimulation for people dealing with mental retardation.
    • Therapy that teaches social skills is important for some forms of mental retardation.
      By: Petro Feketa
      Therapy that teaches social skills is important for some forms of mental retardation.
    • Some of the most important types of therapy for mental retardation teach life skills to individuals who function at a high enough level to live independently.
      By: Miriam Dörr
      Some of the most important types of therapy for mental retardation teach life skills to individuals who function at a high enough level to live independently.