Based on the intelligence quotient

Traditionally mentally retarded children have been classified, on the basis of intellectual capacities, into four major categories; idiot, imbecile, moron, and borderline. The exact limits of each of these categories are not agreed upon by all authorities. The general characteristics of each of the categories are, however, fairly well established.

(The lowest category of mentally retarded individuals is the idiot level. In terms of intelligence quotient, the range is usually given as from 0 to 30. The diagnosis of "idiot" depends upon many factors besides the intelligence test score. Children falling in this category are usually unable to care for themselves in even the most elementary manner. They cannot learn to dress themselves, and maynot, in many instances, be able to feed themselves in an adequate manner. They have to be constantly protected from physical dangers, and supervised in other ways. Speech fractions are retarded, and remain at a primitive level. Many idiots are mute, and never develop speech function. Soiling is quite frequent, and unability to control both bladder and bowel functions is not rare. These children cannot profit from the usual special class programmes and at an adult age are not able to take care of themselves. Theyneed continued castodial care throughout life).

The next highest category is that of imbecile. In terms of intelligence quotient, the rangе is usually given as from30to 50. The child ranking at or near the upper limit of the imbecile range is able, with some help, to learn to dress himself. He is also able to learn, after an extensive train­ing period, to control both bladder and bowel functions. He learns to feed himself, although at a later age than does the child of average intellectual capacities. Speech functions are mastered, although they are very simple. Vocabulary remains at a very rudimentary level, but the high-grade imbecile can learn to read a few words, and can, with considerable help, learn to write his name and a few simple words. Such a child can eventually be taught to do simple tasks, and occa­sionally develops special skills in some art or craft. How­ever, the imbecile can never adequately function by himself in our society, and needs a great deal of close supervision, attention and continued help.

Ranking above the imbecile is the moron - the level at which the greatest percentage of retarded children rаnk. Therange of the intelligence quotient is usually given as from 50 to 70. The high-grade moron usually learns to dress himself adequately, has no great problems in establishing either bowel or bladder control, and does not usually soil himself. He feeds himself well, and is attentive to his surroundings. Speech functions, even though at a lowered level, are usually adequate, and he learns to read and write at an elementary manner. He can profit from the experiences of the special class, and in general is capable of reaching a school reading achievement level equivalent to the fourth grade. He learns to do many manual tasks and, with help, is certainly capable of holding a simple job. With proper guidance, training and help he can eventually support himself, but he needs guidance throughout his life. Manyindividuals at this level marry and have families, but function best if they are given the conti­nued support and help of an understanding person.

Children ranking at a borderline level are not classified as mentally retarded, but they do have difficulties in making an adequate adjustment to the demands of daily life. The range in intelligence quotient of this group is usually given as from 70 to 80. The area of greatest manifest difficulty of borderline children is that of academic achievement. They are slow in learning such material. In particular, great diffi­culties are experienced with such school subjects as reading and arithmetic. Usually they are ''carried along" in school, and fail many grades. Frequently they are promoted solely on the basis of their age and size. They sometimes get as far as the high-school grades. Appropriate school programmes for such children are usually not available. This is unfortunate because they would profit from specially modified school pro­grammes.

T E R M S

intelligence quotient интеллектуальный коэффициент

intellectual capacities умственная способность

idiot идиот

imbecile имбецил

moron дебил

borderline дебил

intelligence test sсоrе показатель интеллектуального теста

speech functions речевые функции

soiling грязниться, пачкаться

bladder and bowel functions функции диуреза и дефекация