National crisis in mental retardation research

The incidence of mental retardation will be significantly reduced only when we have a greater understanding of the nonorganic form of mental retardation, the type that afflicts approximately 75 percent of persons labeled mentally retarded. Such an understanding requires an interdisciplinary research effort that includes a major contribution from the behavior sciences. The current level of support of mental retardation and behavior science research by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development limits the nation's capability of achieving the goals of preventing and ameliorating mental retardation.