The Environment

2016

Joyce Carolyn Graff
[email protected]
901-448-3066

A complex combination of factors, often present before a child is born, contributes to or causes intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These factors include genetics, parent health and behavior during pregnancy, complications during birth, prenatal infections, and exposure of the mother or child to toxic substances in the environment. In addition to causing or contributing to IDD, illnesses and early deaths may be attributed to the environment. This chapter focuses on the etiologies of IDD attributed to environmental factors that can be modifi ed using technology, policy, and preventive and public health interventions. Maternal health and behavior during pregnancy, complications at birth, and early childhood are discussed, as are environmental factors that may contribute to or cause IDD. Individuals with IDD may also be at increased risk from exposure to harmful chemicals, although in many cases their exposures may go undetected and untreated.

etiology of IDD and environmnet, risk factors, environment, lifespan

Book Chapter

Consumers/Families, Professionals, Policymakers, Students

N/A