title: Developmental disabilities: genetic implications.
abstract: Knowledge and new techniques in genetics can aid in a better understanding of developmental disabilities. Through new treatments and better assessment skills, individuals with disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU), Down syndrome, and fragile X syndrome are having diagnoses sooner and are living into adulthood. With the passage of public law 99.457, early intervention services are mandated for those who are 3 years old or younger and are developmentally delayed or at risk for delay. Organizations for paraprofessionals and professionals in the arena of developmental disabilities and genetics exist to create a forum for future action, awareness, and direction.
authors.affiliation: Westchester Institute for Human Development, Valhalla, NY 10595.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Ross
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000451:nursing*; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000451:nursing*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000534:rehabilitation; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000451:nursing*; D005826:Genetics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D009938:Organizations; D012956:Societies, Nursing; D014481:United States