A prevalence study was undertaken of the number of retarded persons in Dutchess County, New York. The study indicated a large discrepancy between the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene's projected figures and the actual number of retarded reported. The projection indicated about 3.3% of the county population would be retarded. The actual figure was closer to 5%. The projection estimated 11% of the retarded population with IQs below 50, whereas the actual figure was 33%. The findings for Dutchess County have not altered or qualified the Department of Mental Hygiene's projections. In terms of planning facilities and services, the magnitude of error is evident.
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