Clinical Features

5. CLINICAL FEATURES

A. Intellectual Impairment

Intellectual impairment in mental retardation is characterized by a noticeable delay in achieving developmental milestones such as sitting, walking, and talking. Affected individuals often exhibit poor problem-solving abilities, limited reasoning, and difficulty with abstract thinking. These challenges are further reflected in significant learning difficulties at school, where the child may struggle to keep pace with peers academically.

B. Adaptive Behaviour Deficits

Adaptive behaviour deficits are commonly seen in individuals with mental retardation and manifest in various aspects of daily living. Affected individuals often have poor self-care skills, struggling with basic activities such as feeding, dressing, and maintaining personal hygiene. Communication is also impaired, with limited vocabulary and delayed speech development making expression and understanding difficult. Social interactions are poor, as many find it hard to make friends or follow social rules. Additionally, vocational and daily living skills remain limited, reducing the individual’s capacity to function independently in society.

C. Associated Features

Associated features frequently accompany intellectual impairment and can complicate the condition further. Seizures are common and may require long-term management. Behavioural problems such as hyperactivity, aggression, and self-injurious tendencies often interfere with learning and adaptation. Sensory impairments, including hearing and vision difficulties, may coexist and further hinder development. In some cases, physical abnormalities are also present, especially in chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome, where distinct facial features and other congenital anomalies are evident.