Developmental Delays and Disabilities
Developmental delays and disabilities in children have hundreds of causes. In situations with pregnancy complications or genetic causes, familes might expect delays even before their child is born. Often, however, the specific cause is unknown. The most typical case is that a delay is first suspected when infants and toddlers do not meet developmental milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up without support, crawling, or walking, during the expected timeframe. While physicians may identify issues such as celebral palsy, it is usually the family who notices delays. Sometimes parents have concerns that "something might be wrong" but feel worried, confused, embarassed, or fearful. Cultural and linguistic situations can make the situation even more complex. Yet early identification and intervention is critical; it enables the family and community to better meet the child's needs. Some causes of developmental delays, such as lead poisoning, can be reversed if they are found early enough, and all delays can benefit from early intervention so that each child's potential can be reached.
Questions
What is the impact of developmental disabilities?
"Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last throughout a person's lifetime...Developmental disabilities affect approximately 17% of children younger than 18 years of age in the United States and have resulted in substantial financial and social costs for affected families and educational and health care systems (October 29, 2004, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities)." Definition and statistics from Department of Health and Human Services - Centers for Disease Control
How do I recognize possible developmental delays in infants?
- No development of a social smile by 8 weeks old
- Failure to find hands or have reciprocal vocalizations by 4 months old
- Lack of imitation (such as clapping) or gesture (reaching out for parent or desired item) by 9 months old
- Lack of interest in self-feeding or lack of beginning to understand words by 12 months old
- General dullness - parents notice a lack of "spirit" or "spark"
Resource for identifying developmental delays in children: First Signs Website
Where can I find more information on specific disabilities?
NICHCY The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities offers information on disabilities in children and the federal law: IDEA. A list of full-text articles is available at NICHCY National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
What is mental retardation?
"Mental retardation is a particular state of functioning that begins in childhood and is characterized by limitation in both intelligence and adaptive skills. Mental retardation reflects the "fit" between the capabilities of individuals and the structure and expectations of their environment." For more information, see the Definition of Mental Retardation from the American Association on Mental Retardation
How has the definition of mental retardation changed?
Mental retardation has been defined in many different ways over the centuries, but it has consistently been recognized as a condition which starts in childhood and causes difficulties in learning, social skills, and everyday functioning. The official AAMR definition of mental retardation has changed ten times since 1908. In 1910, the AAMR referred to individuals with mental retardation as feeble-minded and classified levels of impairment as idiot, imbecile, and moron. New classifications based on IQ replaced these terms. Revised definitions continued to replace older one as results from scientific and educational studies brought new information on mental retardation throughout the 20th century. The current view of mental retardation includes the context of the community envrionment. As beliefs and societal attitudes toward disability evolved, today's understanding of mental retardation offers hope for families. Children with mental retardation benefit from positive supports, inclusive environments, and opportunities for learning. Early intervention can profoundly improve the quality of life for children with mental retardation and their families. You can read more - Excerpt from the Comprehensive Textbook of Child and Adolescent Disorders.
What causes mental retardation?
Several hundred disorders are thought to have a causal relationship to mental retardation. Some disorders, such as Down Syndrome, have a clear genetic cause while other situations, such as exposure to neurotoxic chemicals, are thought to play a role in causing mental retardation but are still being studied. Mental retardation is both a symptom of other disorders as well as a unique syndrome or disorder.
Resource for families who have a child with mental retardation: The Arc
This organization offers parent support groups, advocates for people with mental retardation, and promotes community involvement.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down Syndrome was identified by Landon Down in 1866 and it is the second largest genetic cause of mental retardation. Instead of 23 pairs of chromosomes in each cell for a total of 46, most individuals with Down Syndrome have an extra 21st chromosome for a total of 47. Mental retardation with Down Syndrome ranges from mild to severe and individuals may have many or few of the 50 traits associated with this disability. A dominant physiological characteristic is low muscle tone. Hearing and visual impairments are more common in children with Down syndrome than in typically developing children. You can read more - National Down Syndrome Society .
What kind of early intervention is used with Down Syndrome?
Early intervention goals frequently emphasize motor and language development. Speech development often involves cognitive delays and oral structure problems (clefts of the palate) so augmentative or alternative communication such as sign language or communication boards can reduce frustration. Regular exercise to develop strength and coordination should be part of a successful intervention strategy. Preschool students can stay at grade/age expectencies in some academic areas.