PREVENTION

POLICY STATEMENT 

The nation must continue to investigate the causes, reduce the incidence, and limit the consequences of mental retardation and related developmental disabilities through education, research, advocacy, technical assistance, and support. 

ISSUE 

The knowledge gained in the last 50 years about the causes of mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and the way to prevent these causes is not uniformly used.  Sometimes professionals and lay people are not aware of what is possible.  They remain ignorant of biomedical advances, preventive healthcare options, and the need to eliminate environmental hazards.  Other times, they choose to ignore the knowledge.  They do not make prevention a part of ongoing education and professional practice.  

POSITION 

The nation must reduce the incidence and limit the consequences of mental retardation and related developmental disabilities through research, education, technical assistance, advocacy, and support.   

Prevention programs must include: 

·      Information and care given before, during, and following birth, including frequent physical/developmental checks and adequate nutrition as well as available and accessible support services and genetic counseling.

·      Expansion of newborn screening programs that helps to identify conditions that require early intervention.

·      Mandatory immunizations of children for all preventable contagious diseases.

·      Programs to reduce the effects of poverty upon children's health and psychological well-being. 

Education and advocacy must include: 

·      Support for expanded education of professionals and the public on the risks of exposing the fetus and children to agents that may harm brain development, such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco, environmental contaminants such as lead-based paints, and aspiring use with young children.

·      Support in conjunction with other groups for expanded programs and education to prevent childhood injuries, including both unintentional (e.g., use of safety seats, seatbelts, bicycle helmets) and intentional (child abuse).

·      Advocacy for preventing secondary conditions in persons with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities as these relate to issues of health, survival, and quality of life.

·      Elimination and protection against known environmental contaminants which are known contributors to mental retardation, like lead and mercury. 

·      Enforcement of existing public policy designed to prevent causes of mental retardation.

Prevention activities do not diminish the value of any individual.Our constituents bring value to their families, communities, and nation.