PROFESSIONALS PROGNOSES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION - SEARCH FOR CONSENSUS WITHIN INTERDISCIPLINARY SETTINGS

Previous studies have shown a lack of consensus in professionals' prog noses for individuals with mental retardation. The present study was d esigned to continue the investigation of professionals' prognoses for the achieved capabilities and residential and vocational placement of individuals with mild, moderate, or severe mental retardation. Four pr ofessional groups (N = 567 subjects) from 50 of the 52 University Affi liated Programs throughout the country were surveyed. The Prognostic B eliefs Scale was used. Results showed that physicians had significantl y lower expectations and more pessimistic prognoses for children with moderate or severe mental retardation than did the other professionals . The only consensus on prognosis was for children with mild mental re tardation. Results call into question one of the assumed benefits of i nterdisciplinary teams-communication-and its impact on professionals' expectations and prognoses for individuals with mental retardation.