Diagnosis
The aim of this section is to describe prenatal screening procedures and tests designed to assess the functioning of children and adults.
It covers not just the technical aspects of these procedures, but the impact which the process of testing per se has on parents and on individuals who are themselves thought to have intellectual and other disabilities.
Articles
Antenatal screening
Antenatal screening is the process of identifying those at high risk of a disorder. Prenatal diagnosis establishes whether or not the disorder is definitely present.
Controversial Issues in Autism: The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
The number of children diagnosed with autism is rising. What is being done to find out the causes of autism? Is the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine responsible for the increased prevalence?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
This article provides an overview of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
Confronting the Distortions: Mothers of Children with Down Syndrome and Prenatal Testing
The development of screening tests, including first trimester ultrasound and maternal serum screening tests, has already reshaped the landscape of prenatal diagnosis. Prenatal testing, once limited to women considered high risk, is increasingly a routine part of antenatal care.
Down's Syndrome
Down's syndrome affects people of all ages, races, religious backgrounds and economic situations. It is estimated that there are around 60,000 people with Down's syndrome living in the UK, but since Down's syndrome has never been a notifiable condition, accurate figures are difficult to obtain.
The Experience of a Cognitive Assessment
If I were to send psychologists to schools I would make sure that they understand about the child's culture if the child is from an ethnic group, make sure the child and the family know what is happening and try not to call the child in the middle of their lessons.
Fragile-X Syndrome
In addition to being associated with characteristic physical and behavioural features, Fragile-X syndrome causes intellectual disabilities ranging from mild to severe. It is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability and is second only to Down's syndrome as the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder affecting many areas of functioning.
The Genetics of Down's Syndrome
This article explains what is known about the genetics of Down's syndrome.
Prenatal Screening: A Personal View
A personal viewpoint from Paul Adeline
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)
PWS is characterised by hyptonia and feeding problems in infancy, hypogonadism, characteristic facial features, short stature, developmental delay, obesity and an obsession with food and eating.
Recognizing Psychosis in Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Who Do Not Use Speech
In patients who do not communicate verbally, there are many cues that can lead a psychiatrist to recognition of psychosis.
Down's Syndrome and Autistic Spectrum Disorder
This article provides an overview of Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Down's Syndrome.