Physicians' and other professionals' expectations and prognoses for mentally retarded individuals

A questionnaire was sent to 600 randomly selected professional members of the American Association on Mental Deficiency (an equal number of educators, physicians, psychologists, and social workers). It consisted of an assessment of expectations and prognostications about residential and vocational placement for persons in the three levels of retardation. Results showed that physicians had significantly lower expectations than did educators and social workers. Professionals' expectations factored into four skill groups: Independent Living, Decision Making, Self-Help, and Social Activity Skills. Physician expectations on cluster scores of Independent Living and Self-Help Skills were significantly lower for moderately retarded persons for Independent Living and severely retarded individuals for Self-Help. Physicians were also significantly more restrictive about residential and vocational placements for mildly retarded individuals. Results suggest that there are differences in expectations and prognostications even among professionals in the area of mental retardation.