Review of a case study of a 4-year-old girl who assumed the role of a retardate reveals that the girl probably suffered multiple congenital impairments of a minor character that affected the central nervous system and the structures governing social behavior and maturation. The stated basis for pseudo-retardation is the person's ability to function at a normal level at certain times or in some areas. In a general discussion of pseudo-retardation, the author advocates that clinical diagnosis of retardation needs to include assessment of the motivational variable. The girl's mother is said to have accepted the diagnosis of temperamental abnormality and consequent retardation and to have reinforced the girl's dependence. The girl's normal eye movements are said to have suggested, however, that the girl knowingly controlled behavior of those around her. Behavior change principles implemented to change her dependent behavior and intellectural development are shown to be successful. It is concluded that the girl's excessive need for attachment after the age of 1 1/2 years motivated her mother to be overprotective, which the girl exploited with a guise of retardation. (CB)