Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Louisville, 2004. / Kent School of Social Work. Vita. "May 2004." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 203-216).

Thesis--Wisconsin. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 69-72).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1977. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bbliographical references (leaves 114-119).

This study outlines some historical backgrounds and present-day concepts regarding the mentally deficient, followed by a review of progress and experiences in Great Britain and the United States, in preparation for a description and discussion of services being offered mentally deficient persons in British Columbia. This subject is of particular concern to the field of social welfare since the mentally deficient represent a large group of persons who, along with their families are dependent upon the Social Services. The Social Worker's responsibilities for the mentally deficient begin with the period of intitial diagnosis and planning, continue through training, and are particularly evident through rehabilitation and the supervision in the community. In preparing the material the literature was reviewed and classified so that some similarities, differences, and gaps in the programs of Great Britain and the United States would be readily apparent, and could be applied comparatively to a similar description of services to the mentally deficient in British Columbia. The latter was obtained from available literature and reports, and especially from a series of interviews with persons from representative agencies who were concerned in some way with giving services to this group. The study presents, in outline, the advanced state of services to the mentally deficient in Great Britain and some parts of the United States. The description of British Columbia services shows many gaps, and the need for a comprehensive program which, if implemented, would enable the mentally deficient person to function at his maximum level, throughout his life. It is found that the Parents' Associations are becoming a strong force in the advancement of services to the mentally deficient, especially in the area of education and training. The increased interest on the part of the public can be expected to have a quickening effect on the formation of a new program, and those who are working in this area must be prepared to give leadership. The study presents a foundation of basic information about the mentally deficient in British Columbia upon which it is hoped, more specific research studies can be made toward providing better service to the mentally deficient. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 / The aim of this study was to profile the characteristics of children with mental retardation presenting at the Clinical Psychology Unit of Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital Complex over a period of five years. A descriptive methodological approach was chosen as a study design for the purpose of data collection and subsequent data analysis. Using the archival data method, the clinical files of all children presenting with mental retardation at this facility were retrieved and studied. A total of 326 (male = 169; female = 157) files covering the period under review were retrieved. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. Categorical data were analysed by using frequency tables, descriptive statistics and crosstabulations. The study showed that 314 cases (96.3%) were reflected as Black, whilst the remaining 12 cases (3.7%) were reflected as White (2.15%); Indian (1.23%); and Other (0.30%). Several clinical methods that included clinical interviews, psychometric tests, clinical observations and collateral information sources were used by the psychologists for the purpose of making a diagnosis. The study further revealed that a huge number of cases (35.6%) were diagnosed with mental retardation. It was also found that 45.4% of the cases were diagnosed to have comorbid clinical conditions such as epilepsy, Down’s syndrome, visual problems etc. The majority of the persons were referred to the Clinical Psychology Unit to be assessed for school placement (50%) and disability grant (38.7%).With regard to interventions, psychologists who saw these persons tended to frequently refer them to special schools and other health professionals. Psychotherapy was the least utilised intervention method used by the psychologists. The findings of the present study reinforce the importance of and value of high quality management and treatment of mental retardation and related comorbid conditions. Based on these findings, it is recommended that more efforts be made to strengthen the working relationship between Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital Complex and the respective special schools where these persons that are diagnosed with mental retardation are referred to. It is further recommended that consideration be given to strengthening the relationship between Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital Complex and the social security agency so as to obviate any potential problems that could be associated with the allocation of the disability grants to persons with mental retardation.

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