Developmental disabilities are impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions may impact day to day functioning and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime. Developmental disabilities may begin anytime during the developmental periods, before a baby is born, after birth, or because of injury, infection or other factors.
Most are thought to be caused by a complex mix of factors including genetics, parental health, and behaviors during pregnancy; complications during birth and more.
Developmental disabilities can include cognitive disabilities, motor disabilities, vision, hearing or speech impairments, and behavioral disorders.
According to the CDC, developmental disabilities include (but are not limited too): - Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cerebral Palsy
- Brain Injury
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Learning, Speech or Intellectual Disorders
- Hearing Loss
- Tourette Syndrome
- Vision Impairment
There are many other circumstances in which an individual could be considered disabled. Often there is no cure, but treatment can help the symptoms. Treatments include physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Special education classes and psychological counseling can also help.
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