Hello

I have a question about my son, Nathan...

He was born at 27 1/2 weeks and 2 pounds 6 oz.

We spent 88 days in the NICU, were on all of the ventelators (4 types) and oxygen. He had a Level 1 head bleed, but it stopped itself.

We have been to a whole host of doctors including Nuro, Ped and Chiropractic...

Nathan is now 21 months old and does not crawl, walk or talk...

We have many therapy outles like PT, OT, Speech and Shriners (great people) and this summer we are going to Michigan for Conductive Education therapy...

I understand that Nathan will miss milestones due to early birth...

Nathan seems to be a bright little man, even the ped doctor said that he shows signs of intelligence, because he studied the face of the doctor when we visited.

Nathan can sign "bites" and "more" and touches his belly, hair and ear when asked "where is your xxx"...

Are there any signs of mental retardation that I can look for? I know that I might be worrying too much, but I have a feeling, and just want to know if there is any way I can put it to rest...

The entire time Nathan was in the NICU I was so sure he would make it, that I would walk in there happy and smiling. I was the one that had to tell my wife over and over that he would make it, not she has to tell me he is ok? This is very weird.

Hi Chuke,

I had that same concern about my daughter when the neuro said that mental retardation was possible.

It sounds to me that your son does show signs of intelligence if he knows when he is hungry, knows some body parts, and studies faces. Though he may be behind because of birth during early gestation.

I would ask the expert opinion from one of Nathan's therapists... or whichever professional who sees him most frequently. Someone who knows him best should be able to inform you about your concern.

Take care,
Melissa

Nathan seems to be a bright little man, even the ped doctor said that he shows signs of intelligence, because he studied the face of the doctor when we visited.

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I don't know much about mental retardation, but I've read that mentally retarded children tend to be apathetic and without initiative. One mother, whose daughter had Down's, told in an newspaper interview that her daughter was not curious about her environment and liked routines very much.

OrbOfConfusion is right: you should consult an expert.

Hi Chuke,
I am a special education teacher at United Cerbral Palsy. I can't give you a definate answer on this, but I will tell you that it is never too early to start to address these problems. It's great that you get therapies for your son. You may want to look into early intervention (school) services also. Your son may be delayed in learning or may never be able to vocalize. However, he is a bright child and probably has a ton of things going on in his head. He may need an outlet. He may need to use alternate forms of communication such as signing or picture exchange or a computer like device. The bottom line is...don't give up on him. It's not the end of the world if he doesn't learn as fast as other kids. It matters that he can learn and make progress in any area and he knows he is loved and he is worth something. Be his biggest cheerleader! Also "mentally retarded" only means that he learns slower - not that he can not learn. He will be a learner. Don't get caught up with that. Work on the right now. He needs a solid base to build on and he will need all the help he can get.

I know this thread is old, but I felt complelled to put in my 2 cents :)

I believe that some people with CP can be mentally retarded, but I think that MOST of us are either average to above average intellegence even those who aren't able to speak in the regular fashion.

As for me, I am fortunate in this area. I was born at 2 lbs 1 oz, and was born about 11 weeks before my due date. My parents did start me in therapy and preschool very early to get a "head start." (I started preschool at 3yrs old), and I believe it benefitted me a lot. I don't know how they thought I'd turn out mentally, but ended up excelling in the academic side of school, and I'm currently finishing up a degree in computer science. Its always fun to see the reaction on people's faces when they ask me what kind of classes I am taking. (now the hard part... I just need to get a job :) )

Whatever you do, don't sell your son short. He might not ever be able to do a lot of the physical things guys do, but he could do well on the academic side of things. I saw several kids in elementary/ high school who were in Special ed classes when they were very intelegent. I think somewhere along the way their families didn't expect much of them, or babied then so they never had a drive to learn anything more than the bare minimum. It was sad.

Christine23, you are so right when you said:

"I believe that some people with CP can be mentally retarded, but I think that MOST of us are either average to above average intellegence even those who aren't able to speak in the regular fashion."

I was 2 pounds 8 ounces when I was born. I have Spastic Diplegia CP. I got my first job teaching people to swim for the Red Cross, when I was 15. I repaired TV's and electronics when I was 18. I worked as a electronics technician for 37 years. I can fix anything electric or electronic, even computers. I have friends that have CP, and they became teachers, doctors and lawyers... Of course, there are exceptions, but like you say, if you give a child love, encouragement, support and a "head start" in learning, there is nothing he or she can't do...

Hi,

Please forgive any repetition! My situation was similar to Nathan's. My parents were told I'd never be able to sit up, talk, etc. They were all wrong! Although I started in Special Ed, I was mainstreamed in 4th grade & now have a bechelor's in social work with an emphasis in Special Ed. Nathan may have some deficits in some areas but don't be discouraged.

Many of us didn't achieve our developmental milestones like "normal." You will likely come across the diagnosis "Organic Brain Disorder" (OBD). OBD is a generic term used to describe an individual's difficulties that are "CP related" & fall within a normal IQ: spacial, depth perception, sense of direction, slow comprehension etc. There are those that will meet the definition of mental retardation & it could be a mixed blessing. A diagnosis is required in order to receive services, but be careful, the "label" can be become self-fulfilling & affect his self esteem.

Whatever happens, the best thing you can do is to be a strong advocate for him & fight for what you think is best. In addition to this board, your state should have a legal services agency that can help you with this & other issues as they come up. My parents sure could have use all the resources of today 35 years ago! :)