Developmental disabilities: genetic implications.

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.