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Learning Disability

Inheritance patterns and prenatal diagnosis

Inheritance patterns
These will depend upon the fundamental underlying cause of the condition. This is often unknown. Genetic counselling is important and is available through regional genetic centres. Genetic counselling appointments can be arranged through general practitioners or hospital specialists.

Prenatal diagnosis

This is dependent upon the underlying condition and may include 'chorionic villus sampling' (testing a small piece of material from near the placenta), ultrasound scanning, amniocentesis, fetal blood sampling and fetoscopy (examining the developing baby through a small telescope).

Early identification, evaluation and remedial input are essential to maximising the abilities and progress of individuals with learning disability.

View How is it treated? How is it treated?  |  Is there support?  View Is there support? 

Medical text written May 2001 by Professor J Turk. Last updated November 2005 by Professor J Turk, Professor of Developmental Psychiatry and Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Department of Clinical Developmental Sciences, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK.

 

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