Behavioural phenotypes

The study of behavioural phenotypes is of both research and clinical significance. It assists in the identification of genes that influence the development of cognitive and social skills, and as such may be vital in order to further the understanding of the development of neural systems within genetic disorders. The study of this field will also help to support families in understanding and managing the behavioural presentation of an individual with a genetic disorder. This article examines the mechanisms that underlie genetic disorders and discusses the difficulties associated with studying behavioural phenotypes across the lifespan. It considers the importance of understanding cognitive and behavioural phenotypes through the examination of specific genetic disorders.