Presenting complaints

At birth:

• Unusual faces (dysmorphia)
• Poor thriving, eg Down syndrome

In children:

• Delay in usual development (eg sitting up, walking, speaking and toilet training)
• Difficulty managing school work, as well as other children, because of learning disabilities
• Behavioural problems, especially overactive behaviour and poor socialization
• Often, these children are the target of stigma and bullying, because of their different appearance, abilities and behaviour.

In adolescents:

• Difficulties with peers, leading to reduced social opportunities and isolation
• Inappropriate sexual behaviour
• Difficulties in making the transition to adulthood, especially in terms of forming relationships and developing independence.

In adults:

• Difficulties in everyday functioning, requiring extra support (eg cooking and cleaning), with consequent increased costs of living
• Problems with normal social development and establishing an independent life in adulthood (eg finding work, marriage and child-rearing)
• Inappropriate sexual behaviour and other antisocial behaviour.
  

Last edited: 4/12/2003

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