Which of the following is an example of SECONDARY prevention of intellectual disabilities?

• A. Prenatal care
• B. Amniocentesis
• C. Screenings of newborns for phenylketonuria (PKU)
• D. Early intervention programs

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is the screening of newborns for phenylketonuria (PKU), which exemplifies secondary prevention in the context of intellectual disabilities. Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and prompt intervention to mitigate the severity of a condition or disability. In this case, newborn screening for PKU allows for early identification of infants with this metabolic disorder, enabling timely dietary interventions that can prevent the development of intellectual disabilities associated with PKU.

This is a proactive approach that addresses potential problems before they fully develop, ultimately leading to better long-term outcomes. Other options, while important, fall under different categories of prevention. For instance, prenatal care is more aligned with primary prevention, as it aims to ensure the health of the mother and fetus before any conditions develop. Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure that also relates more closely to primary prevention by identifying conditions in utero rather than intervening after birth. Early intervention programs certainly play a critical role in addressing existing disabilities but are considered tertiary prevention, which focuses on minimizing the impact of a disability rather than preventing it from occurring in the first place or identifying it early on.