Mental Retardation in America: A Historical Reader_III

(Part-III)

A problem in reading the various chapters of this book, which is also true of working with mental retardation in the real world, is the wide range of persons who are classified as mentally retarded. This is illustrated at one extreme by the vignettes of formerly institutionalized young men inducted into the armed services during World War II, who, in many instances, served effectively. In that time of great social need, it was these soldiers’ abilities, not their disabilities that counted. At the other extreme, in my work I encounter youngsters whose mental retardation is insignificant as compared with their severe disorders of behaviors. Finally, it is the behavioral disorder and not intellectual retardation that is decisive and destructive to family life. This suggests a fundamental flaw in the concept of mental retardation: “mental” life constitutes not only intellectual ability (as measured by IQ tests), but also attributes that are emotional and moral (for lack of a better word) as well. The overvaluation of IQ seems to be leading to decisions regarding capital punishment. The underestimation of emotional and behavioral dyscontrol and the systematic abolition of residential placement for children still give rise to situations as burdensome and cruel for families as any described in this book.

Mental Retardation in America tells a story with a broad sweep—how a society has dealt with mental retardation through profound social and scientific changes. At this end, we are in many respects back where we started, with retarded children cared for within their families. The plot is powerful, the questions profound, and the answers that have been given over the years show the usual flaws and faults of most human endeavors.