Question
Sometimes, seeing a child developing slower than their peers can be especially worrying. How are mentally retarded children formed?
Answer
Mental retardation is typically categorized into two types: congenital and acquired factors. Congenital factors refer to diseases present before birth, including genetic and non-genetic causes. Genetic factors include chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome), genetic metabolic defects (such as phenylketonuria), congenital malformations (such as microcephaly, hydrocephalus, etc.), and intrauterine acquired factors (due to infections like rubella during pregnancy, lack of trace elements, hypoxia, improper use of medication, exposure to X-rays, or exposure to toxic substances). Acquired factors refer to mental retardation caused by conditions at birth or after birth.