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Mental retardation is diagnosed primarily on the basis of intelligence testing, but affected children often demonstrate other brain problems such as attention deficits, movement problems, and perceptual difficulties. Dexterity and coordination also may be limited.

If the child’s doctor suspects a problem, parents may be referred to a psychologist or other mental health expert, who can administer a number of special tests, including standardized intelligence tests and a standardized adaptive skills test. Next, an expert should describe the child’s strengths and weaknesses in intellectual and adaptive behavior skills, emotions, physical health, and environment. These skills can be assessed by formal testing, observations, interviews, and interacting with the child in daily life.