Abstract
Mental retardation is a symptom of an underlying disease process. In California state hospitals for the retarded an accurate dynamic diagnosis is possible through utilizing the knowledge of neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics, psychology, social service, rehabilitation, education, the laboratory and trained psychiatric technicians. A program of “custody” is archaic and we are returning to the concept of training, treatment, and turnover. This kind of program is essential in order to avoid building new hospitals at the cost of millions of dollars every few years.
Parent organizations for retarded children are expanding in ever increasing number. Special education programs in public schools, foster care homes and sheltered workshops may make admission to hospitals unnecessary and aid return of patients to the community.
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