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Mental Retardation begins in childhood and is characterized by limitations in both intelligence and adaptive skills. An individual is considered to have mental retardation based on three criteria: intellectual functioning level (IQ) is below 70-75; significant limitations exist in two or more adaptive skill areas; and the condition is present from childhood (defined as age 18 or less) (AAMR, 1992). The three major known causes of mental retardation are Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Down syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome. http://www.thearc.org

Developmental Disabilities are severe, chronic disabilities which are attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments; are manifested before the person attains the age twenty-two; is likely to continue indefinitely; and results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activities:

           self-care
           receptive and expressive language
           learning
           mobility
           self-direction
           capacity of independent living
           economic self-sufficiency

Additional Helpful Terminology

Asperger Syndrome is a social and communication disorder. Individuals with Asperger Syndrome may have problems with social interaction, nonverbal communication, or managing change. They appear to lack common sense. Other difficulties include motor skills, writing, math, abstract reasoning, or concept formation. People with Asperger Syndrome may have anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems. http://www.asperger.org

Autism is a complex developmental disorder. Symptoms of autism include impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication and imagination, and unusual or severely limited activities and interests. The most severe cases of autism are marked by extremely repetitive, unusual, self-injurious, and aggressive behavior. The mildest forms of autism resemble a personality disorder associated with a perceived learning disability. http://www.autism-society.org

Cerebral Palsy is a disorder caused by brain damage, affecting ability to control movement and posture. People with Cerebral Palsy exhibit muscle weakness (paresis), inability to make voluntary movements and suppress involuntary ones. It can be associated with other problems such as seizures, mental retardation, ear/hearing problems, eye/vision problems, or verbal communication problems. http://www.ucpa.org

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by extra genetic material (genes) from the 21st chromosome. Individuals with Down Syndrome also have some degree of mental retardation, or cognitive disability and other developmental delays. Sixty to eighty percent of people with Down syndrome have hearing deficits. Forty to forty-five percent of people with Down syndrome have congenital heart disease. Other important medical aspects in Down syndrome, including immunologic concerns, leukemia, Alzheimer disease, seizure disorders, sleep apnea and skin disorders. http://TheArc.org/faqs/down.html

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a series of mental and physical birth defects that include mental retardation, growth deficits, central nervous system dysfunction, craniofacial abnormalities and behavioral maladjustments. Fetal Alcohol Effect is a less severe set of the same symptoms. http://www.nofas.org

Fragile X Syndrome is a hereditary condition which can cause learning problems ranging from subtle learning disabilities and a normal IQ, to severe mental retardation and autism. Individuals with Fragile X syndrome may also have physical and behavioral disorders, and speech and language delay. http://nfxf.org

Mental Retardation begins in childhood and is characterized by limitations in both intelligence and adaptive skills. An individual is considered to have mental retardation based on three criteria: intellectual functioning level (IQ) is below 70-75; significant limitations exist in two or more adaptive skill areas; and the condition is present from childhood (defined as age 18 or less) (AAMR, 1992). The three major known causes of mental retardation are Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Down syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome. http://thearc.org

Prater-Willi Syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that includes short stature, mental retardation or learning disabilities, incomplete sexual development, characteristic behavior problems, low muscle tone, and an involuntary urge to eat constantly, which leads to obesity. http://www.pwsausa.org

Spina Bifida is a congenital deformity that begins early in pregnancy. It is characterized by a defective closure in the vertebral column. The most common impairment is partial or total paralysis of affected muscle groups. People with spina bifida may also have bowel and bladder dysfunction. Individuals may develop hydrocephalus at birth, which can create learning disabilities and other cognitive impairments.

Accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We have compiled a non-inclusive list of limitations that result in common accommodation situations. In addition, you can find more information at JAN's A to Z Web page at: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/atoz.htm.

Please select the limitation that corresponds with the individual needing an accommodation below.

Individual has limitations in cognitive abilities.

Individual has limitations in social abilities.

Individual has gross motor impairments.

Individual has fine motor impairments.

           Questions to Consider

           Accommodation Examples

           Organizations