Preparing questions in advance can help patients and parents have more meaningful discussions with physicians regarding their or their child’s treatment options. The following questions related to mental retardation may be helpful:

1. Why was my child’s mental retardation not detected earlier?
   
   
2. What may have caused my child’s mental retardation?
   
   
3. What can I expect from the condition that may have caused my child’s mental retardation?
   
   
4. How severe is my child’s mental retardation?
   
   
5. Where can I go to get information on early intervention and other services?
   
   
6. What type of schooling is most appropriate for my child?
   
   
7. What activities may my child participate in with other children his/her age?
   
   
8. What is the chance that my child will be able to function at least semi-independently as an adult?
   
   
9. Where can I go to meet and speak with other parents of children with mental retardation?
   
   
10. Since one of my children has mental retardation, how likely are my other children to develop it, too?