Light Mental Retardation
This is the mildest degree of mental disorder. The value of the intelligence quotient (IQ) lies within the range of 50 to 69. The motor, neuropsychological development, and the psychological processes in children with light mental retardation differ quantitatively, and qualitatively from the norm for the given age. The following symptoms can be observed:
• Obvious cognitive deficiency (limited ability of abstraction, deduction, judgement, logical thinking),
• Speech may be impaired in terms of both form and content (limited vocabulary, content poverty in speech),
• Delayed development of gross and fine motor skills, impairments in movement coordination,
• An imbalance of aspirations and performance,
• A shorter duration of performance as a result of insufficient self-control,
• A lack of curiosity,
• Stereotypes in play,
• Affective lability, impulsiveness, increased suggestibility, anxiety in the area of emotions,
• Infantile personality,
• Slower development of social skills,
• Increased dependence on parents and others,
• Increased need for satisfaction and security.