Children’s Communication Difficulties Traced From Spontaneous Genetic Mutations, Not From Heredity

Developmental Disorder or also known as Childhood Disorder or Learning Disorder is usually observed during the child's school age. Usually, this type of case develops through errors in the genetic makeup. Common types of Developmental Disorder are the following: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attachment Disorder, Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, Communication Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, Intellectual Developmental Disorder, Specific Learning Disorder.

Now, another Developmental Disorder had been discovered by the scientist of Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. It was identified as Deciphering Developmental Disorder (DDD) where it causes learning difficulties that affects children's language and communication skills. Science Daily had stated that the researchers had screened 20,000 human genes from 4,000 families across UK and Ireland. Also, BBC had reported that 11 children from UK have been identified with this kind of condition. In line with this, Matthew Hurles, the leader of the research, stated that the parents have been spending years in finding the cause of their child's case. Finally, their questions have been answered. The cause of their child's situation rooted from the CDK13 gene which generates the developmental disorder. According to the researchers, this gene is not heritable. Rather, it was caused by a spontaneous genetic mutation.

When two families with the same case had met for the first time, it appeared that their children with Deciphering Development Disorder have similarities and differences. Their physical appearance was very much alike. However, they still differ in terms of their communication skills. One is more advanced than the other. At the same time, the other one has a heart defect while the other doesn't have. To conclude, both families had felt a great relief knowing that they can link up with each other since they are on the same track. They even added that it feels like they belong to a newfound family.