Study finds mental disability can be cause by one mutation in sex cells

Researchers from Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center found that spontaneous mutations in sperm and egg cells may be one cause of mental disability in children.

The study found that this disability is most likely not transmitted from parent to child by chance. Instead, researchers argue that it occurs when genes are mutated over time in the sex cells of both genders.

Researchers said that they expect approximately 1,000 of the 20,000 genes in the human body can cause developmental conditions. Furthermore, when the mutation called de novo enters one of these genes, it can result in the individual becoming mentally disabled. They added that 60 percent of participants were found to have this mutation.

Officials said that this study can introduce new opportunities for diagnosis, therapy and prevention. They noted that the concept of de novo mutations can likely the cause of diseases such as autism and schizophrenia.

Boarding schools can help children who suffer from mentally disability by designing individualized therapy and education that can help them achieve academic success as well as promote healthy social and behavioral skills.