mental retardation means...
"significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period, that adversely effects a child's educational performance." Section 300.7 (b)(6)
"Mental retardation refers to substantial limitations in present functioning. It is characterized by significantly subaverage intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with related limitations in two or more of the following adaptive skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, and leisure and work. Mental retardation manifests itself before the age of 18."(AAMR, 1992, p. 5)
What does this all mean? Both definitions have similar criteria for making the diagnosis of mental retardation (which includes mild mental retardation). Click on the highlighted text to review these criteria-