How many people are affected by mental retardation?
Studies have shown that somewhere between 1 percent and 3percent of Americans have mental retardation, depending on how they are counted. Based on an IQ score alone, the percentages would be closer to 3 percent. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly how many people have mental retardation. Studies alone may not identify everyone. Many parents and professionals throughout the U.S. report they are aware the label “mental retardation” can bring offense, and for this reason they avoid its use. Many school age children receive a diagnosis of learning disability, developmental delay, behavior disorder, or autism instead of mental retardation. Many adults who technically could be said to have “mental retardation” live independent, productive lives and avoid all labels. Their success and their lack of functional limitations may mean that they are not included in studies that count the number of adults who have cognitive, intellectual or related developmental disabilities.
