Age of walking and mental retardation.

Abstract

The age of independent walking was noted for 200 retarded children aged 30-60 months living in the community. The onset of walking tended to be later in more severely retarded children, but early walkers were found even among the most retarded. The majority of children with mild, moderate, and severe retardation walked by 17 months. Only in the group which was profoundly retarded did the majority begin to walk after 17 months. Onset of walking before 17 months is usual in retarded children and is compatible with all levels of mental retardation.