Early-life environmental risk factors of Intellectual Disability: biological, psychosocial influences and early identification– Nationwide Twin and Family Study.
Approximately 2% of all children worldwide have some form of intellectual disability. Early risk factors and low socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with an increased risk of intellectual disability, but there is a lack of genetically informed studies to distinguish between causal environmental effects and genetic confounding factors.
The goals of this project are to identify potential causal relationships for intellectual disability, as well as to identify high-risk groups that need follow-up.
The purpose of the project is to answer the following questions:
- What is the causal mechanism behind the association between early risk factors and IF?
- What mechanism lies behind the connection between SES and IF?
- What risk factors mediate these associations?
- Which individuals will benefit most from targeted surveillance and early health interventions?
Relevance
The project will develop the understanding of modifiable risk factors for IF, necessary knowledge for early interventions in this target group. Early identification of children at high risk for IF will provide better conditions for planning follow-ups, allocating resources and better opportunities to diagnose and support children with disabilities and their families.