Main description:

Although children with mental retardation may have ongoing medical needs, the primary focus of intervention is to assist them in developing to their highest potential. This program focuses on aspects of these interventions, including the multidisciplinary team, teaching strategies to increase learning, and the development of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Also discussed are the specific challenges in education related to auditory learning and methods to reinforce learning as it occurs. The program also looks at the roles of the counselor, the special education teacher as well as mainstreaming. Behavior modification, as a way to assist the child in working effectively within the classroom and the family, is explored as well. Finally, the program describes the various levels of achievement possible for adults with mental retardation, including joining the workforce and living independently or within a group home.