Mentally disabled uncle

Re: Mentally disabled uncle

• GypsyWife_ member

  

  July 2013

  @colex is the criteria the same as mental retardation ?
  
  IQ measured to be two standard deviations or more below the mean.
  Significant adaptive living skill deficits.
  Onset before age 18 (in other words, before
  development is considered to be completed)
  
  is this considered cognitive impairment?

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• GypsyWife_ member

  

  July 2013

  Of coarse a 4 year old would. I answered as if she was 18 and received an invitation. Isn't that what the op wanted?

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• colex member

  

  July 2013

  Under the DSM 5, which is the universal authority for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders in the US, mental retardation has a new name. It's new name is intellectual disability. To quote Medscape "The change is due to a gradual call for destigmatization among clinicians, the public, and advocacy groups."

  
  

  Gypsy, you seem to have a lot of questions regarding this and may be under a lot of stress. I just want to let you know that there are a lot of support groups online and otherwise for parents who have children with disabilities, it may be something you want to look into. This website can help http://nichcy.org/families-community/help/parentgroups

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• wrigleyville member

  

  July 2013

  Gypsy - a lot can change between the age of four and the age of eighteen. When she's eighteen, even though she may not be able to respond to something, she may still appreciate others treating her as an adult (which she is) and sending her an invitation. Some people like to keep them as mementos too.

  
  

  Anyway, it is hard to say what your daughter will be like at 18 because it IS so far away. I know it's hard right now. Maybe find a support group, as Colex mentioned?

  
  

  Also, keep in mind they are making advances in autism and communication therapy every day. By the time your daughter is older, she may have found her "voice", whether it is truly verbal or another form of communication.

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• BMoreBride6 member

  

  July 2013

  I understand it is the exception but I met a lady the other night who's son is autistic and was non verbal until he was 10 at which point he started communicating some and progressed from there.  he is now 26 and living on his own (although with daily checkups from mom).  A lot can happen in 14 years, and you really can't predict it...I know you want answers and it is scary, but I think you are probably a wonderful mother and advocate for her

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• GypsyWife_ member

  

  July 2013

  Thanks ladies!

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