MENTALLY RETARDED

Education for Mentally Handicapped Children

Characteristics of Educable Mentally Handicapped (EMH) Children

Educable Mentally Handicapped (EMH) children, also known as children with mild intellectual disabilities, generally have an IQ ranging from 50 to 70. They can develop academic skills but may need extra support.

Key Characteristics:

• Cognitive Development: Slower learning pace, difficulty with abstract thinking and problem-solving, short-term memory challenges.
• Language Skills: Delayed development but can communicate effectively with functional language skills.
• Social and Emotional Development: Can develop relationships, may struggle with social cues, and emotionally immature.
• Adaptive Behavior: Needs help with daily skills, can gain independence with training.
• Academic Abilities: Can perform basic academic tasks, struggle with abstract topics.

Educational Strategies for EMH Children:

• Use of structured, individualized teaching methods.
• Repetition and reinforcement of concepts.
• Teaching practical life skills (e.g., money management, time concepts).
• Encouraging social skills development.
• Providing assistive technology and other supports.

Education for Trainable Mentally Retarded Children

Trainable Mentally Retarded (TMR) children, also known as children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, generally have an IQ below 50. They need more intensive support and can acquire basic functional and life skills.

Key Characteristics:

• Cognitive Development: Severely delayed cognitive skills, difficulty understanding abstract concepts.
• Language Skills: Limited verbal communication, may require alternative communication methods.
• Social and Emotional Development: Emotional immaturity, difficulty forming relationships.
• Adaptive Behavior: Need help with daily living skills like eating, dressing, and personal care.
• Academic Abilities: Limited academic work, focus on functional academics.

Educational Strategies for TMR Children:

• Focus on functional skills and life skills training.
• Hands-on learning and repetition of basic concepts.
• Use of visual aids and physical supports.
• Behavior management techniques to improve social skills.
• Emphasis on self-care and independence.

Differences Between Educable and Trainable Mentally Retarded Children

• Cognitive Level: EMH children can learn academic subjects with support, while TMR children focus on life skills.
• Educational Focus: EMH children focus on academic learning with modifications, while TMR children focus on daily living skills.
• Support Required: EMH children need less intensive support compared to the more continuous support required by TMR children.