What is a Developmental Disability

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developmental Disability

Many children exhibit behavior that may seem strange to their peers and teachers at school. Due to lack of awareness or knowledge, these children may get mocked or face discrimination. Approximately 1% of the global population has an intellectual disability and out of them 85% have mild intellectual disability.

However, not all developmental disabilities are the same. Some may impair a child’s ability to perform simple physical activities, while others may affect their learning skills and behavior. These problems start in the child’s development phase and can last for the rest of their lives. With physical therapy, medications, and counseling, experts can minimize the impact of such disabilities.

This blog discusses the 5 most common types of developmental disorders, their symptoms, and their possible treatments. Without further delay, let’s get started.

What is a Developmental Disability?

In simple language, a developmental disorder is a condition that starts as soon as the child is born or when it attains three years of age. These disorders may slow down physical, mental, social and occupational functioning.

Also, not all children have the same extent of developmental disorders. Disorders like autism and Tourette syndrome have different levels of severity. Only an expert can assess the level of severity and administer proper treatment. Parents who ignore early signs and think they will vanish as the child gets older are making things worse.

At Physical Therapy Paramus NJ, we offer specialized services to help children with developmental disorders improve their mobility and function. Our experienced team is here to support your child’s growth every step of the way.

5 Most Common Developmental Disorders and Their Treatments

The five most common developmental disorders are as follows –

1. Autism

● Autism Spectrum Disorder is commonly known as autism. Autism is a condition that affects an individual’s behavior, communication ability, socialization skills, and behavior.

● People with autism may lack social skills like making eye contact with peers, using facial expressions while indulging in specific behaviors like clapping hands, running in circles, or rocking back and forth.

● A WHO study states that approximately autism affects 1 in 109 children worldwide.

● Children affected by autism may also be extra sensitive to certain smells, loud sounds, and certain textures.

● The severity of autism differs in individuals, ranging from little to full-time support.

● Some studies indicate that people with ASD usually have a lower life expectancy than regular people and those without intellectual disabilities can live up to their late seventies.

 Treatment for ASD

● Although there is no therapy that can fully cure autism, early diagnosis and providing support for a child’s learning and development can help immensely.

● Speech therapy and behavioral coaching can help children communicate better and act appropriately in specific social situations.

● Applied Behavioral Analysis leverages a reward-based program to grasp new skills and apply them to various situations in life.

● Structured educational programs and interaction with family members can also help children adapt and learn new skills.

2. Cerebral Palsy

● Cerebral palsy is a combination of neurological disorders that appear in children during their early childhood. This condition affects the children’s body movements and muscle control.

● The main causes of cerebral palsy include brain damage, lack of oxygen to the brain during birth, low birth weight, and severe infections during pregnancy.

● The four main types of cerebral palsy include spastic cerebral palsy, dyskinetic cerebral palsy, ataxic cerebral palsy and mixed cerebral palsy with carying symptoms.

● Signs of cerebral palsy include stiff muscles, weak muscles restricting movement, and difficulty in walking, sitting, and standing. Balance and coordination issues are other signs.

● Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy in children within the first two years of their lives, but mild cases can complicate diagnosis and delay it by 3 to 4 years.

● Neurological techniques like cranial ultrasound, electroencephalogram and MRI scans can detect brain anomalies and help treat cerebral palsy.

 Treatments for Cerebral Palsy

● Physical Therapy – Exercises like stretching, resistive, or strength training can be effective in early childhood.

● Occupational Therapy – Occupational therapy focuses on improving body functions, posture and mobility which helps children perform daily activities with greater efficiency.

● Recreational Therapy – Encourages children to participate in sports, community events and other activities to improve physical and cognitive skills in children.

● Speech Therapy – Identifies communication problems, issues with swallowing food, or use new devices to improve quality of life.

● Many doctors also administer drugs, conduct surgeries and use assistive devices to help individuals perform activities with more accuracy and efficiency.

3. Down Syndrome

● Down syndrome is a genetic disorder with no proven cure. Individuals with an extra chromosome 21 have Down syndrome.

● Symptoms of Down syndrome include mental issues like difficulties in reasoning, thinking and comprehending things.

● Daily activities like walking, running, talking and developing social skills can be challenging for people with Down syndrome.

● People with Down syndrome usually exhibit physical attributes like small ears and a flat nose, short height, loose joints, weak muscles, small limbs, heart defects and more.

● Prenatal genetic tests, blood, DNA, and ultrasound tests during pregnancy can bring this disorder to light.

● Symptoms in individuals with Down syndrome include breathing issues, weight problems, seizures, childhood leukemia, underactive thyroid, and vision and hearing issues, to name a few.

 Treatments for Down Syndrome

● Presently, there is cure or sure shot treatment for Down syndrome.

● However, physical, speech, and occupational therapy goes a long way in helping individuals (with down syndrome) improve the quality of their lives.

● With prolonged therapy, down syndrome patients can communicate better and perform simple tasks like dressing up, using devices and eating food.

● Behavioral counselling helps down syndrome patients address other concerns like ADHD and compulsive behaviors.

● Enrolling individuals with Down syndrome in special training and self-care programs helps them manage their lives better.

4. Fragile X Syndrome

● Fragile X syndrome, aka Martin-Bell syndrome, is a genetic disorder that affects many aspects of a child’s development, including learning, behavior, appearance, and health.

● In most cases of Fragile X Syndrome, the reason is the mutation in the FMR1 gene. It occurs approximately 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females.

● Male children often have a more severe form of the disability compared to their female counterparts.

● Children affected with Fragile X syndrome often exhibit problems such as hyperactivity, autism, temper tantrums, poor eye contact, perseverative speech, impulse control and distractibility.

● Physical problems in Fragile X Syndrome children may include eye, orthopedic, heart and skin issues.

● Only specific genetic tests performed by specialists can diagnose this disorder.

Treatments for Fragile X Syndrome

● The lab will obtain the child’s DNA sample and test it. After the test results are out, it will tell if the child has the FMRI gene.

● A pregnant woman who wants to know if her child will have Fragile X Syndrome must consult a genetic counselor.

● The counselor will most likely recommend tests like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.

● Currently, there are no treatments that can cure this disorder, but special education and anticipatory management can help greatly.

● Medication can help manage behavioral issues, but it can’t cure Fragile X Syndrome.

5. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

● Mothers who consume excessive amounts of alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

● The severity of this developmental disorder depends on the child’s exposure to alcohol in the womb.

● Even moderate amounts of alcohol are unsafe during pregnancy. The severity of the disorder varies from child to child, but the effects can last for life.

● Physical development problems caused by his disorder include stunted body growth, small eyes and head, vision and hearing issues, hyperactivity, poor coordination.

● Other problems include intellectual disabilities, learning disorders, poor judgment skills, short attention span, and lack of organization and planning skills.

● Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome find it challenging to multitask, communicate with peers, and develop social skills.

Treatment for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

● Healthcare professionals can administer treatment for vision, hearing and heart issues.

● Occupational, physical, and speech therapy may help children perform basic tasks like walking, talking, and communicating with others.

● Vocational services may help affected individuals earn a living.

● Mental health experts can help parents understand the disorder and overcome the child’s developmental and behavioral problems.

● There is no permanent cure for this syndrome. With time and effort, the quality of children’s lives may improve. Patience is key.

Summary

We have covered some of the most common developmental disorders, but there are many more. Unfortunately, most of these developmental disabilities don’t have a cure. Parents must make careful health choices to ensure the well-being of their children. Couples with a history of such developmental disorders must also consider opting for testing prior to having children.

Each developmental disorder is unique with specific challenges and characteristics. It is crucial to notice signs early on to avoid serious problems later. Physical, speech and occupational therapy are instrumental in helping affected children lead better lives and survive in mainstream society.

Organizations like Town Physical Therapy employ specialists for such disorders and take pride in treating children with developmental disorders. Together, these organizations, parents, and society in general can join hands to minimize the effect of such developmental disorders. No parent or child is alone in this struggle.

Apart from that, if you want to know more about Top 9 Ways Qualitative Research Consulting Can Transform Your Business then visit our Business category.