Mental retardation is below average intelligence and abilities which are present before the age of 18. This is determined by an IQ below 70 - 75, significantly limited in two or more skill areas such as school, work, social, and communication, and this condition has to have been present since childhood (18 years of age or younger).
There are four categories of mental retardation.
1. Mild -80% of all people diagnosed as mentally retarded are in this category. They have an IQ of between 50 - 70.
2. Moderate -10% of all people diagnosed as mentally retarded are in this category. They have and IQ between 35 - 50.