Does a mentally challenged kid knows he mentally challenged?

Question

Does a mentally challenged kid knows he mentally challenged?

Answer 1

Doesn't that depend on the severity of the child's handicap is.

Answer 2

depends how mentally challenged he is

Answer 3

honestly..  im no doctor but i think dont think they do because they act like they think their normal.. just a guesssss. . . .. . . ..

Answer 4

I don't really think he does.  I have been around many children like this for the last 16 years.  It seems to me that however that child is, it is normal for them.  They don't seem to notice there is a difference from one to the other.  Later on in life, around age 15 or so, I've heard some of them respond that they had one disorder or the other, but it was obvious to me that they knew about this from others saying it around them, not from their knowledge independently.  Like a conditioned response instead of real knowledge of facts.  So I don't think they know.

Answer 5

Yes, usually.  Think about it.  Kids can be cruel, and some kids like to make sure that a kid who is different for any reason (race, height, looks, ethnicicy, etc.) knows that they don't fit in.  So a kid with a cognitive deficiency, especially teens, know that they are different.

Answer 6

usually, yeah

Answer 7

most likely, yes. most of them realize that they are different, but can't help the fact. It also depends on the child.

Answer 8

The ones with mild mental retardation generally do.  They typically are the ones that do not appear to be special education until you ask them to read, write, give multiple step directions or use their math skills. Then you see the difference.  They see the difference too since they are most often with peers of regular intelligence.  

Ones with moderate mental disabilities sometimes know there is a difference but aren't terribly concerned with it.  These guys typically have a developmental level of around 5-7 years old, so they have "better" things on their minds.  ;)

Less developed individuals, I do not believe understand it a bit.  They only achieve to the point where they imitate other people ..  like a preschooler using a play kitchen set, so no, I don't think they understand.

Of course this is just a generalization!

Answer 9

Many do

Answer 10

I only know about my best friend's brother.  He has a level of 'Downs Syndrome' that ranges around a five year old level.  We always thought that he wasn't really aware because he is so happy and outgoing.  One day when we were taking him on a car trip with us we stopped at a highway restaurant.  A group of young people came in with their care givers.  There were individuals with Downs as well as other limiting conditions.  Her brother got off his chair, went over and introduced himself by name.  He came back to us, quite happy, and said"  they are my friends; they are like me!"  We never wondered again if he knew he was different.  We love him with all our hearts because he is so warm and giving.

Answer 11

No they don't. I'm a mentally disabled teen and I didn't find out until I was three. The only way to find out id through a series of tests, which, depending on the disability, can take a while to figure out the results. I'm Autistic and ADD, and that took about 3-5 months to diagnose. It was hard for me when my parents finally told me b/c I didn't understand it until I was about 10 or 11. I was placed in special needs classes for my preschool and kindergarten years, then was placed into special needs schools for my freshman and sophmore (current) years. I live Arizona, where there are two special needs schools. I go to Howard S. Gray Educational Center, which is part of Banner Health Scottsdale. Anyways, I hope I answered your question. I'm sorry it's so long.