• Causes of Aphasia

Aphasia Triggered by Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities are a broad group of conditions that result from cognitive or physical impairments prior to adulthood. These various conditions begin during the developmental period, typically lasting throughout the person’s lifetime.

Most developmental disabilities begin before a baby is born. However, some can occur at a later stage because of injury, infection, or other factors. Impairments caused by a developmental disability can impact an individual’s day-to-day functioning.

How Common Are Developmental Disabilities?

According to recent estimates, approximately one in six children (age 3-17) have one or more developmental disabilities. Some of the more common or well-known developmental disabilities include the following:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Central Auditory Processing Disorder
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Expressive Language Disorder
• Intellectual Disability
• Learning Disabilities
• Tourette Syndrome

Diagnosing A Developmental Disability

Developmental disabilities are diagnosed by healthcare and behavioral health professionals. As developmental disabilities encompass a broad range of conditions, diagnostic techniques vary. The process of diagnosis typically involves any number of cognitive and skills tests. In addition to these evaluations, specialists might also leverage imaging or other tests. Professionals will also look at family health history.

Can Developmental Disabilities Be Prevented?

Many people want to know whether or not developmental disabilities can be prevented. As developmental disabilities is an umbrella term that includes a number of conditions, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. In reality, it depends. Some conditions can be prevented. Many others cannot. For some conditions, experts have a greater understanding of the causes and how to reduce risk. Still, there are many unknowns for most developmental disabilities.

What Are The Symptoms of Developmental Disability?

Symptoms for developmental disability will vary depending on specific characteristics. Some signs are apparent in infancy, while others may not become apparent until a child reaches school age. Each condition presents its own unique symptoms, but some of the common symptoms include:

• Delayed speech or language development
• Delayed motor skills development
• Difficulty communicating or socializing
• Difficulty with problem-solving
• Difficulty with memory
• Inability to connect actions with consequences
• Inability to do everyday tasks without help
• Lower than average scores on cognitive tests

Can You Recover From Developmental Disability?

Developmental disabilities are not the type of conditions that can be “cured” in the traditional sense. However, conditions can be managed and minimized through treatment strategies. Depending on the severity of the condition, solutions might include behavior modification, therapies, or medication.