Behavioural phenotypes: their applicability to children and young people who have learning disabilities

Abstract

The area of behavioural phenotype research and related clinical practice is now recognised as one of high relevance to all practitioners who help people with learning disabilities, whatever their age. Knowledge continues to accumulate rapidly regarding aspects pertaining to aetiology, likely developmental, emotional and behavioural challenges, useful multidisciplinary interventions and supports and long‐term prognosis. This paper reviews the concept, its history and recent developments, focusing on those aspects which are of particular importance to clinical and other care and support professionals and their clients. There is a continuing need for widespread dissemination of the large body of relevant information, and its application to practice in order to maximise benefits for people with learning disabilities and their families.

Citation

Turk, J. (2007), "Behavioural phenotypes: their applicability to children and young people who have learning disabilities", Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 4-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/17530180200700025