MR: Mental Retardation

IS:        a decreased state of functioning that begins in childhood and is characterized by limitations in both intelligence and two or more major life activities that affect:

                        communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, health and safety, self-direction, functional academics, leisure, and work.

CAN:      be characterized by the level of  external support needed to promote and enhance independent functioning:

                        INTERMITTENT - assistance is provided on an as-needed basis and withdrawn as appropriate;

                        LIMITED - support is given on a regular basis for time-limited skills and activities;

                        EXTENSIVE - supports are characterized by regular and ongoing involvement in at least some skills, activities, and environments; and

                       PERVASIVE - constant high intensity supports that are life-sustaining in nature.

MAY:       have specific known causation (30-50%); multiple causes (50%); or cooccur with mental illness (25%) and/or other cognitive disorders.

READ:    “CRIMES OF INNOCENCE: Examining Transgressions of the Mentally Young Offender”