Certain real problems in the development of community programs for the medical care, education, and training of the mentally retarded
Vaughan, W.T.
American Journal of Public Health and the Nation's Health 47(6): 706-712
1957
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9572 PMID: 13424816 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.47.6.706Document Number: 485832
Experience in developing community programs for medical care, education and training of mentally retarded children indicates that at least 5 major factors are impeding development of adequate service and research programs in this complex field. These are: general confusion among professionals and lay persons concerning conditions that are embraced by the term "mental retardation"; failure to apply sound knowledge of emotional and cultural factors in growth and development to this field at this time; confusion with respect to what professions or agencies should be responsible for these children; general lack of trained personnel from all disciplines; many firmly entrenched attitudes and assumptions concerning "mental retardation" which give this field a low status and keep professions away from it.