Semantics

I saved this definition, but the source is no longer there. Many programs operate under this. Some diagnoses I've seen make me wonder, because they are developmental in nature and I know the injury did not occur before age 18.

The condition must have begun prior to

age 18. The purpose of this criterion is to emphasize that

mental retardation is a developmental disability (the word

"retard" means to slow or delay). Therefore, a person who

suffers a stroke or a serious head injury during adulthood

would probably be considered to have a traumatic brain injury

and not mental retardation.

The right diagnosis is needed for financial and programming purposes.