Which of the following is a true statement about mental retardation?

Which of the following is a true statement about mental retardation?

Options:

(a) Most retarded people are unable to live normal lives due to their mental deficiencies

(b) With special tutoring, a mentally retarded person can attain average intelligence

(c) The majority of mentally retarded people are mildly retarded

(d) Diagnoses of mental retardation are based exclusively on IQ scores

✅ Correct Option: (c) The majority of mentally retarded people are mildly retarded

Explanation:

Mental retardation, now more appropriately referred to as intellectual disability, is a condition characterized by below-average intellectual functioning and limitations in adaptive behavior. Statistically, the majority of individuals with intellectual disability (about 85%) fall under the category of mild retardation. These individuals can often live independently, hold jobs, and lead relatively normal lives with some support. Severe and profound cases are less common. While special education and tutoring can help improve skills, they cannot typically elevate a person to average intelligence in cases of genuine intellectual disability. Diagnosis is based on IQ scores combined with adaptive behavior assessments, not IQ alone. Understanding these facts is crucial for educators, psychologists, and PPSC candidates, especially in special education and inclusive schooling contexts.

10 Related PPSC Facts:

Mild retardation = majority of cases (~85%) IQ below 70–75 indicates intellectual disability Adaptive behavior assessment is essential for diagnosis Severe cases require lifelong support Education can improve functional abilities Early intervention is highly effective DSM-5 uses adaptive functioning criteria Not all individuals are unable to live independently Terminology has shifted from “mental retardation” to “intellectual disability” Important for PPSC special education questions