Mental retardation involves several things, not only is it an intellectual functioning that is below average. The child with mental retardation also has a significant deficit of adaptive capacity, such as in communication, self-care, academic ability, social ability, etc.
But beyond the deficiencies, these children have many riches. Learning to develop and stimulate the capacities of our children is a very important step that will promote their personal development.
Steps to follow:
- Find information about the topic. It is important that you inform yourself about what your child has, in this way you can understand his situation a little more. In order to help him, you must know him.
- Be patient and calm. The children with mental retardation learn more slowly than other children. Try to include it in the tasks you do, such as helping you cook, run errands, etc.
- Stimulates their independence. Your child will grow up and will need to know how to take care of himself. Depending on how late they are, you can help them learn to handle basic tasks like dressing, shaving, etc.
- It encourages the realization of recreational activities. In this way, your child will begin to interact with other children his age and stimulate the development of his social skills. You can also enroll him in a plastic arts workshop or other activities that encourage creativity.
- Accompaniment. Help your child with mental problems complete homework and talk to the teachers about what they are learning. It is very important that you are in contact with the people who deal with your child so that you can know what progress they are making.
- Get in touch with parents who are in the same situation as you. Sharing situations, advice and recommendations from parents of children with the same disability often allows us to see the situation from another perspective and have another type of support.
This article is merely informative, we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
Tips
- If you suspect that your child has mental retardation, go to a specialist doctor for a proper diagnosis.
