Developing a self care training program for mentally retarded children in Shebeen El-Kom

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to develop a self care training program to teach mentally retarded children skills that are necessary for their own adaptation. These skills included drawing, playing with clay, using scissors, washing hands, washing face, brushing teeth, feeding self [making a sandwich] and wearing shoes. The sample included 25 mentally retarded children with IQ levels between 50-66 in preparatory A and B. For teaching the previously mentioned skills, the task analysis technique was applied as follows The researcher practiced as a model and verbally explained his technique, the researcher physically and verbally guided each child through each of the task analysis steps and each child was guided to perform self care skills independently. The results of the study showed the effectiveness of task analysis techniques, modeling and positive reinforcement on improving children's self care skills