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When a child with
mental retardation is born, the initial reaction in most families is that of
“gloom and doom”. Sometimes there is an attempt to determine “why me?” or
blame someone or something for the tragedy in the family. In poorer segments
of the population of SEAR Member Countries, having a child with mental
retardation is a double tragedy; not only is the child unable to contribute
to the family’s resources, instead he/she needs additional caring which
drains the family’s resources. Thus, having a child with mental retardation
in the family affects not only the individual who has this problem, but also
their families and the society as a whole.
Several advances
in the scientific and social understanding of this condition have opened up a
variety of avenues and opportunities to reduce the impact of this problem and
limit the extent of disability. Strategies for primary prevention with such
simple remedies as adequate intake of iodine by pregnant mothers are now
available.
Even with limited
resources, much can be achieved in SEAR Member Countries through combined and
coordinated action by the families, governments and nongovernmental
organizations. Now is the time to take up the challenge and take action to
produce meaningful results.
This document “Mental Retardation : from knowledge
to action” has been prepared by experts from the Region provides valuable
information on the current state of knowledge about mental retardation. More
importantly it also describes ways and means by which better care can be
provided to “Heaven’s very special child” by their families and others.
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