Effects on Post-Natal Development Through Life's Course

Effects on Post-Natal Development Through Life’s Course

  • Post-natal development refers to the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional changes an individual goes through from birth onwards. Genes play a significant role in these developmental processes.

  • Genetic disorders, anomalies or illness can alter an individual’s development. Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, and Prader-Willi Syndrome are examples of genetic conditions that can impact physical and cognitive development.

  • Chromosomal disorders, which are caused by changes in the number or structure of chromosomes, can cause postnatal developmental problems. Examples include Turner Syndrome and Klinefelter Syndrome.

  • Individual differences are often the result of genetics. For example, height, skin, eye, and hair colour are all heavily influenced by genetics.

  • Environmental factors interact with our genetic code and can determine how our genes are expressed. This interaction between genes and environment is called Epigenetics.

  • Many behaviour traits also have a genetic component, such as a propensity towards certain mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.

  • Genetic factors can play a role in an individual’s susceptibility to diseases such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer later in life.

  • Nurturing activities like education, social interaction and nutrition can sometimes override genetic predispositions. For instance, a child with a genetic predisposition to obesity might maintain a healthy weight with the right diet and exercise.

  • DNA methylation, a key process in development, is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. It’s involved in processes like ageing and memory formation.

  • Genetic counselling is beneficial for understanding genetic health risks. It provides information about the nature of the genetic disorder, the likelihood of it being passed on, and how to manage or live with the disorder.

Remember, genetics is a complex field and it’s crucial to recognise that both genetic and environmental factors interact in different ways throughout a person’s life.