Introduction
A long-term population-based study, this article addresses the genetic causes of cognitive disabilities. After assessing the performance of young children in development and intelligence tests, researchers determine the potential cohort of participants with birth defect. With the analysis of environmental factors contributing to genetic mutations, this article lays the foundation for my project, focused on genetic predisposition toward intellectual disability.
Abstract and Overview
Approximately 1-3% of the world population is diagnosed with some type of intellectual disability. The extensive amount of research on the etiology of cognitive disabilities suggests that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of the disorders. This study aimed at exploring the prevalence of genetic causes of cognitive disabilities in children, aged 7-10 from Brazil.
Results showed that out of 214 children included in the stratified sample, 90% were diagnosed with an intellectual disability. Genetic causes were identified in 15% of the cases. During the discussion, current issues contributing to the inborn cognitive disabilities were addressed together with potential ways to minimize them.
Analysis and Synthesis
Mixed-method approach applied in the article is beneficial for the holistic assessment of the causes of cognitive disabilities. Most importantly, when examining the genetic factors of intellectual disabilities, the researchers pay attention to the concomitant environmental aspects that increase a risk of having a child with a genetic mutation.
Taken this information into account, I might narrow down the scope of my project to the genetic predisposition toward cognitive disability in the context of parental lifestyle before conception. Before getting familiar with this research, I failed to consider the interdependent nature of genetic and environmental causes of cognitive disabilities, tending to evaluate each of them separately. Consequently, this study lays foundation for further research, focused on the prevalence of intellectual disability among middle school students.
Implications for the Classroom
The implications of this study extend beyond the medical setting, providing useful information to individuals diagnosed with intellectual disability, as well as their families and educators. Understanding the etiology of cognitive disability is essential for instructors to address student’s individual education needs in terms of emotional comfort, teaching effectiveness, and accessibility of the material presented.
Reference
Karam, S. M., Riegel, M., Segal, S. L., Félix, T. M., Barros, A. J., Santos, I. S., Matijasevich, A., Giugliani, R., & Black, M. (2015). Genetic causes of intellectual disability in a birth cohort: a population-based study. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 167(6), 1204–1214. Web.