The Developmental Approach to Mental Retardation

The developmental approach to mental retardation focuses on understanding the functioning of individuals with mental retardation within a developmental context. It stands in contrast to more typical notions that focus on deviant or atypical processes. Differences in the development of individuals with mental retardation are viewed in relation to specific causes. This model has considerable potential for understanding differences in the pattern and profile of development in persons with mental retardation.