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| Image designed by author. Please click here to view on Flickr. |
What is a developmental disability? Please read more.
Prologue
Imagine being a parent to a child with one or more developmental disabilities. Over the course of this post, an extensive overview of developmental disabilities will be provided. They exist in several different types. You will also learn about an important word as well as the clinical and academic evaluations. Believe it or not, autism and ADHD are able to be diagnosed in adults in addition to children.
Please refer to the "Disclaimer" section (see below) before going any further with this post.
Developmental Disabilities 101
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to disability. That is not any different in the developmental classification. Lisa Jo Rudy, who is an autism advocate and author, writes that "the terms developmental disability, neurodevelopmental disability, developmental delay, and learning disability" are similar but different concepts. In the next paragraph, you will find out what the definition of developmental disability is.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "[d]evelopmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in" four different aspects. The CDC also reports that the issue(s) can be related to "physical, learning, language, or behavior." MedlinePlus adds that developmental disabilities generally last a lifetime and might impact the person's activities of daily living (ADL). WebMD reports that ADL is a general term utilized for the fundamental and essential tasks of everyday life. WebMD also mentions the concept of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), which enable a person to live on his or her own. The next paragraph will cover the subject of neurodevelopmental disorders.
You might not realize it, but there is also the term neurodevelopmental disorder. According to the Merck Manuals Consumer Version, a neurodevelopmental disorder is a "neurologically based [condition] that can interfere with the acquisition, retention, or application of specific skills or sets of information." Merck adds that a neurodevelopmental disorder potentially includes "dysfunction in attention, memory, perception, language, problem-solving, or social interaction." According to Dictionary.com, the word part neuro- means that "nerves" and/or the "nervous system" are involved. The next paragraph outlines what a developmental delay is.
Finally, here's an overview of developmental delays. Healthline writes that "a developmental delay" occurs when a child is held up with achieving important "milestones." Of course, no child will get to these stages at the same rate. In summary, developmental delay is somewhat self-explanatory (which is why this paragraph is short).
The subject of learning disability is skipped for this section because it is covered as a subsection under "Types of Developmental Disability" (see below).
In the next subsection, the reader will be introduced to the word "neurodivergent."
Vocabulary Lesson: Neurodivergent
As mentioned previously, the word "neurodivergent" is the subject of this subsection. According to Cleveland Clinic, "[n]eurodivergent is a nonmedical term for people whose brains develop or work differently for some reason." It means that people who are neurodivergent possess what Cleveland Clinic calls "different strengths and challenges from people whose brains don’t have those differences." The aforementioned Cleveland Clinic article also enumerates fourteen "conditions" that are typical among people who are neurodivergent. Now that you understand what neurodivergent means, let's move on to the next section.
The next section (see below) will enumerate some of the various forms of developmental disabilities.
Types of Developmental Disability
Obviously, developmental disabilities exist in several different types. The May Institute reports that intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and cerebral palsy are the top three most common. In an August 2021 article, Disability Help states that there are two other types of developmental disabilities: ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and those that involve learning. The classification system enumerated above is also shown in the image below (see Figure 1). The May Institute also mentions that developmental disability does not discriminate against any person's background whatsoever. Now that you understand the types of developmental disability, the next five subsections (see below) provide an overview of each type.
Figure 1
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| Image designed by author. Please click here to view on Flickr. Information sources: Disability Help and May Institute |
Intellectual Disability
For starters, let's find out what an intellectual disability is. According to Disability Help, intellectual disability is an umbrella term for issues with thinking and understanding that give a person reduced capability of operating in daily life. The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) reports that a person with intellectual disability has issues with "intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior" prior to turning 22 years old. The AAIDD also mentions that while "intellectual functioning" (also known as "intelligence") deals with "mental capacity," "adaptive behavior" involves "the skills" people generally take for granted. The AAIDD lists these abilities in three different categories, as well as examples thereof. Furthermore, the AAIDD adds that there are "standardized tests" that allow a person's "adaptive behavior" constraints to be assessed. Please consult the image below (see Figure 2), as well as this webpage, to see what the aforementioned components of intellectual disability are. According to Medical News Today (MNT), intellectual disability will never go away. MNT also writes that intellectual disability is not curable, but people who have the condition can learn how to live in modern society. Now that you're familiar with intellectual disabilities, the next subsection (see below) explains what autism spectrum disorder is.
Figure 2
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| Image designed by author. Please click here to view on Flickr. Information source: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) |
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Second, autism spectrum disorder (also known as autism) is highly sophisticated condition. Autism Speaks found out from the CDC that, as of October 2023, the U.S. autism rate is 1 in 36 children. There is even a list of important signs, in the form of an age-based timeline, on the Autism Speaks website. For example, people with autism generally have limited social interaction and choose to be by themselves. Autism Speaks also has an entire webpage devoted exclusively to the various autistic behaviors. WebMD writes that autism does not have a single "cure" or "medication" to treat it, so a child with autism should expect to receive a lot of therapy. In summary, autism is not a simple personal issue; the condition enumerated in the next subsection is more complicated.
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Third, let's talk about cerebral palsy (CP). According to the Mayo Clinic, CP is a type of disability that "affect[s] movement and posture." The condition is what the Mayo Clinic reports is the result of "damage that occurs to the developing brain, most often before birth." The Mayo Clinic adds that CP "symptoms" do not "appear" in newborns, but they occur when the child is either a baby or preschool-age. As Cleveland Clinic reports, such indicators include "spasticity" and low "muscle tone." Furthermore, Cleveland Clinic mentions that CP could also cause issues such as "[i]ntellectual disabilit[ies]." (Please refer to the "Intellectual Disability" subsection above for an overview thereof.) As with the other developmental disabilities mentioned in this section, CP cannot be permanently done away with. An article from Healthline mentions that a person with CP might have a multitude of "complications" and treatment that includes, but is not limited to, "[a]ssistive" equipment and surgical procedures. Finally, a person with CP might have an exercise program. The next subsection will bring up the subject of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
Fourth, let's talk about attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Healthline reports that "[ADHD] is a mental health condition that can cause unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors." An article from the CDC provides a list of eight key symptoms, such as making restless movements and excessive speaking. The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) writes that a childhood case of ADHD can continue into a person's adult life. The CDC reports that, in some cases, grown-up people might be affected by ADHD despite having no diagnosis. The ADDA adds that gender does not matter in ADHD cases; it affects both males and females. Finally, and most importantly, Psych Central reports that ADHD is not "cur[able]." According to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), treatment for ADHD generally "requires ... intervention" from four different disciplines. For example, CHADD mentions that ADHD treatment often involves "medication," "counseling," and "behavioral therapy" to name three fixtures. Since you're aware of what ADHD is, the next subsection (see below) pertains to learning disabilities.
Learning Disability
Finally, children with developmental disabilities might have learning disabilities as well. A previous post to this blog explains what the concept of special education is, as well as the difference between learning disability and learning disorder. The same post also explains how special education services are different at public and private schools. There is a separate post to this blog about college for students with disabilities. According to CNLD Testing & Therapy, a neuropsychology and psychology practice in Michigan (U.S.A.), learning disability affects a child's overall lifestyle. Furthermore, CNLD Testing & Therapy reports that a learning disability is able to "be treated, managed and minimized" even though a cure is nonexistent.
The next section will change the subject to ADHD and autism in adults.
ADHD & Autism in Adulthood
Did you know that ADHD and autism can be diagnosed in adulthood? WebMD reports that both ADHD and autism are classified as "neurodevelopmental disorders" because "they affect brain development." Dr. Benjamin E. Yerys, who is a psychologist, tells ADDitude Magazine that the vast majority of research relating to ADHD and autism does not "focus on" adults because "symptoms first evolve" during childhood. WebMD also mentions the possibility of a person having "both" of the aforementioned conditions. It enables him/her "to find treatments and coping strategies that work," in the words of WebMD. Since ADHD and autism involve brain-related problems, WebMD adds that people with both issues struggle with "executive functioning" (see next subsection). The WebMD article mentioned earlier in this paragraph also provides a series of behavior-related similarities and differences between ADHD and autism. The next paragraph will explain what the mental health situation could be like for adults with ADHD and autism.
According to WebMD, an adult with both ADHD and autism has a higher risk "of developing other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety." Dr. Yerys furnishes ADDitude Magazine with a list of "standard[ized] screening and diagnostic tools" to assess people with autism. He also mentions that the grown-up version of an autism evaluation also includes testing for mental illness. Dr. Yerys' ADDitude Magazine even enumerates a series of "interventions" that do and do not involve medication.
The next subsection (see below) will explain what executive functioning is.
Executive Functioning 101
The previous subsection mentioned the concept of executive functioning. According to Psychology Today, "executive functioning" involves "cognitive processes and mental skills that help an individual plan, monitor, and successfully execute their goals." Gail Belsky, who is Understood's chief editor, tells the website that executive functioning allows people "to learn, work, and manage ... life" on a daily basis. Belsky also mentions what the "main areas of executive function" are, as well as some of the "many skills" thereof. Furthermore, Understood outlines the speed at which "[e]xecutive function skills" are established. The Understood article additionally enumerates ten lifestyle-related issues that people with "executive function" difficulties might have. As a reminder, "ADHD is a problem with executive function," in the words of Belsky.
The next section (see below) covers the subject of evaluation.
Evaluation
A child with a disability should expect to experience evaluations in a medical setting as well as at school. Hannah Barton, who is a psychiatrist and behavioral health specialist at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Ohio (U.S.A.), writes that a doctor visit is not similar to that of being assessed for "special education eligibility."
In the next two subsections (see below), you will find out what both of the aforementioned assessments do and the objectives thereof.
Medical
Dr. Barton writes that a medical assessment involves a myriad of staff: "medical professionals" as well as "specially trained clinicians." She also writes that the medical evaluation is designed "to diagnose, understand, and manage your child's developmental disability or condition." That is because, as Dr. Barton adds, the main goal is "to provide a diagnosis, which is essential for determining the most appropriate treatments and interventions to address your child's specific needs." Of course, the evaluation is meant to find ways for the child to receive medical care, plus referrals to other specialists (Barton).
As for treatment, MedlinePlus writes that a child with a developmental disability might be recommended for various types of therapy, "[s]pecial education" services at school, and/or “psychological counseling.” MedlinePlus adds that, however, development disabilities generally do not have a single “cure” available.
The next subsection (see below) switches the scenery from a medical facility to school.
School
In the academic environment, a child with a disability will receive what Dr. Barton calls "[a] multidisciplinary team evaluation" via the nearest public school district. The assessment involves a number of "educational professionals" that include teachers as well as special education, therapeutic, and psychological personnel. She also writes that the evaluation is intended to figure out whether the child is lawfully qualified for special education services. Dr. Barton adds that, contrary to common thought, a medical diagnosis is not required for a student to undergo an evaluation for special education services. If the child with a disability qualifies, he/she will have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) written for him/her. To learn more about the concepts mentioned in this paragraph, please refer to my post about special education.
Epilogue
This post gave you an overview of what development disabilities are. You also found out that a child with a developmental disability will undergo a battery of tests. Additionally, this blog post explained what neurodivergent is. Of course, developmental disability exists in a multitude of types. Now that you've learned about developmental disability, you can educate a friend whose child is in a similar situation. (Remember, the information in this post is intended exclusively to inform without replacing medical or legal consultation and/or advice. I am not a licensed practitioner of medicine or law.)
Please refer to the "Disclaimer" section (see below).
Resources
Disclaimer
The author and GAM Productions are presenting the information herein solely for informational purposes. This blog post does not serve as a substitute for consultation, advice, and/or treatment that involve a qualified healthcare professional. None of aforementioned parties shall not be held responsible for any injury or injuries that may affect the reader of this post. Neither GAM Productions or the owner thereof is considered a healthcare professional or provider.
Furthermore, GAM Productions is not a law firm. The organization's owner does not work in the legal profession. This blog post is not legal advice, so you need a licensed practitioner of law for this purpose.
GAM Productions is a fictional organization.
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Revision History
- October 23, 2023 at approximately 11:00 P.M. Pittsburgh, Pa., 🇺🇸 U.S.A., time
- Added 3 paragraphs to the "Developmental Disabilities 101" section
- Added a citation to the "Bibliography" section
- Added the "Revision History section"
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