Alternative names Developmentally delayed, challenged, mentally handicapped, mentally challenged and slow  Definition  mentally challenged is defined by three criteria. The person has a score of 70 or less on intelligence tests or IQ tests. The person has limitations in at least two aspects of living skills. mentally challenged is present from birth or infancy. Examples of living skills are:  • Education (reading, writing, basic math)  • Motor function  • Social skills • Communication • Personal care (bathing, dressing, eating, toileting) • Thinking skills (judgment, problem-solving, self-direction) • Working What are the signs and symptoms of the condition? Indications of mentally challenged include :  • Delayed developmental milestones. This means that the child learns skills such as walking and talking later than other children.  • Late development of speech and language.  • Poor coordination of movements, such as walking or using the fingers to handle small objects.  • Poor school performance. • Social and emotional immaturity. • Possible seizures when there are certain neurological disorders or abnormalities within the brain. What are the causes and risks of the condition? Causes of mentally challenged include :  • Low birth weight. • Genetic defects. • Fetal alcohol syndrome. • Poor nutrition and healthcare for the mother during pregnancy. • Lack of oxygen during the birth process. • Birth trauma. • Exposure to certain toxic materials or medications during pregnancy. • Exposure to certain illnesses, such as rubella, during the first trimester of pregnancy. • Neurological disorders. • Physical injury as a result of seizures. • Smoking during pregnancy. • Childhood diseases that may lead to infections or chemical imbalances that damage the brain. • Malnutrition in early childhood. • Childhood exposure to environmental toxins such as lead or mercury. • Being deprived of normal stimulation and interaction with people. Children who have mentally challenged may be at risk for other health problems. Depending on what caused the mentally challenged, the child may also have seizures or may have a heart condition.  What can be done to prevent the condition? mentally challenged can sometimes be prevented by proper prenatal care. A woman should not smoke, drink or use drugs during pregnancy. She should also talk to her doctor before taking any medications. Pregnant women should exercise, eat a healthy diet, get regular checkups and have genetic testing if it's advised. Children should be protected from hazards like lead and they should get prompt medical care when ill. Children need to have stimulating contact with other children and adults to help them develop mentally.  How is the condition diagnosed? mentally challenged is diagnosed with a physical examination and psychological and intelligence tests.  What are the long-term effects? The long-term effects of the condition depend on the degree of challenge. They may include:  • A need for lifelong sheltered living and work environments. • A need for assistance with basic activities of daily living, such as dressing, feeding and toileting. • Significant, lifelong health problems. • Poor decision-making ability. • A need for help with financial decisions and management. • Emotional and social immaturity. What are the risks to others?  The family of an affected person needs to make long-term plans for the person's care.  What are the treatments? Treatments for mentally challenged include:  • Early identification of the condition. • Enrollment in special education programmes. • Medication when needed, as in the case of seizure disorders. • Medical treatment for other conditions, such as hydrocephalus, which is a fluid in the brain cavities.  What are the side effects of the treatments?  Medications can have side effects. Surgery, if needed, can also carry risks.  What happens after treatment? A Mentally Challenged person can receive special education services until the age of 21. Vocational services are available in sheltered workshop settings. Families must do long-term planning for the time when the parents are no longer able to care for the person.