Pediatricians' perceptions of mentally retarded individuals

Three hundred randomly selected members of the American Academy of Pediatrics were surveyed to determine their perceptions of mildly, moderately, and severely mentally retarded individuals. For each of the three categories of mental retardation, pediatricians completed the Prognostic Beliefs Scale which consisted of 27 functional capabilities and choices of residential and vocational placement. Of the 169 (56%) questionnaires returned, 142 (47%) were available for analysis. The pediatricians' perceptions were different for mildly, moderately, and severely retarded individuals. Most pediatricians believed mildly retarded individuals could do all but tasks requiring judgment, could function in unskilled competitive employment, and were likely to live in their own apartments. They believed that those with moderate retardation were limited in their capacity to simple and supervised tasks, could function in sheltered workshops, and were likely to live in group-home settings. They believed that severely retarded individuals were restricted to simple feeding tasks and following one-stage commands, were not capable of any productive employment, and would most likely live in institutions. Pediatric expectations and prognostications for placements were significantly lower than those of other professionals caring for mentally retarded individuals.