Severe and Profound Mental Retardation

Abstract

Severely and profoundly mentally retarded persons present a challenge to service providers because multiple physical and emotional problems are often present. Conceptions of this group of individuals have changed dramatically for the better in the past few decades. Severely and profoundly mentally retarded persons were once considered hopeless and untrainable (Berkson & Landesman-Dwyer, 1977). This situation is no longer accepted because research has shown that progress can be made when training these persons. Today, service providers are focusing on “active” treatment, when in the past the standard of service delivery emphasized primarily custodial care and medical services. However, not all service providers have adopted this more optimistic view. Consequently, not all of the severely and profoundly retarded persons are given the treatment needed to improve in overall behavior and independent living. On the other hand, litigation, social policy, and great advancements in assessment and treatment have made the rehabilitation movement national, and one that is accelerating in scope and sophistication (Matson & Mulick, 1983). In our chapter we will attempt to outline some of the major issues and characteristics of severely and profoundly retarded persons. Also, a description of some recent innovative approaches to behavior therapy will be provided. It is hoped that more providers will adopt an “active” treatment model in the future.