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70
In previous reports reference was made to the saturation point
having been reached. The year 1969 saw the opening of Woodbrook
(see also special chapter on Woodbrook) resulting in the
transfer of all "Juniors" from Orpington Training Centre to Woodbrook.
At the same time the Orpington Training Centre absorbed
half of our Adults from Swanley (see also special chapter on
Orpington Training Centre).
The very clear sex differential in favour of the males—2 : 1
ratio— is demonstrated in the 0-16 age group. The distribution
among the adults is equal.
The predominance of males among those in Training Centres
and subnormality hospitals has been observed for many years and
the differential was thought not to be true prevalence but a
phenomenon dependent on several factors. For example, the
mentally handicapped boy is more likely to be picked out by the
educationalist and his presence at home when adolescent and
clearly not capable of open employment is less easily tolerated
than that of a girl. The incidence of behaviour difficulties notoriously
higher among boys would also play a considerable part when
the family wished their child to be "sent away".
Recently, however, further thought and research into the
causes of subnormality has brought forward the concept of increased
vulnerability of the male foetus to adverse agents whether
operating in the uterus or in the perinatal period. The researchers
point out that the same factors operating the sex differential for
still births must equally apply to the babies surviving either because
the adversities are not strong enough to kill or because the latest
medical and surgical techniques are successfully applied. Either
way there would be an excess of boys among those who survive.
Once more we come back to the crucial issue of primary
prevention, i.e. preventing damage taking place through optimum
ante-natal obstetric and paediatric care, based on sound health
education of the community.