Mental retardation — a world view

Abstract

The most recent development in WHO’s programme on mental retardation is the forthcoming publication of a white paper on the subject prepared in collaboration with the joint commission of members of the International Association of Scientific Study on Mental Deficiency (IASSMD) and the International League of Societies for Persons with Mental Handicap (ILSPMH). Other recent developments also include a major collaborative study on services for the mentally ill, including those retarded, which has just been completed in four developing countries, and case studies on mental health and psychosocial development of children in a further set of eight countries. There has also been a major effort within the framework of a WHO programme on prevention of disability and rehabilitation in the community, mainly for those with multiple handicaps.