In recent years there has been much research interest in looking for behavioural phenotypes (or specific profiles of strengths and weaknesses) that are associated with specific conditions--particularly conditions with genetic origins such as Down syndrome. This kind of information may be very helpful in alerting parents and professionals to the particular difficulties a child may have. This article discusses two recent research papers reporting on the behavioural phenotype associated with Down syndrome. These studies were conducted by Deborah Fidler and her colleagues and Joanne Roberts and her colleagues.