Abstract
The implications of genetics in mental handicap are so far-reaching that within the space of a single chapter it is impossible to achieve more than an outline of the underlying principles of genetic causation and a review of their practical application. Aspects which merit particular attention have been selected; these include the need for accurate diagnosis, the interpretation to parents of degree of genetic risk, problems and hazards in genetic counselling and the vital matter of the initial disclosure to parents of the diagnosis of a genetic condition. Prenatal diagnosis of genetic conditions is of special significance in connection with mental handicap, and its positive aspects, besides its value as a tool in preventive medicine, are discussed.
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© 1980 The British Institute of Mental Handicap
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Cowie, V.A. (1980). Genetics and Mental Handicap. In: Simon, G.B. (eds) The Modern Management of Mental Handicap. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-7200-4_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-7200-4_3
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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