According to the National Institutes of Health, developmental disabilities refer to disorders in which there are birth defects related to how part, or parts, of the body develops. Autism disorder, Asperger's syndrome, and Down syndrome are some of the most prevalent developmental disabilities, however other more rare disabilities include Fragile X syndrome, Rett's syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder. If your child displays any of the symptoms of a developmental disorder, talk to your doctor right away.
Abnormal Cognitive Development
Many, although not all, developmental disorders are characterized by delays in normal cognitive development or regression and loss of skills already gained. In autism, childhood disintegrative disorder, and Rett's syndrome, development starts out normally but then changes course at a certain age and the child loses skills he once had and stops developing normally. Although children with autism and Asperger's can have normal intelligence, most developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, Rett's syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome result in mental retardation.
Abnormal Social Behaviors
Children with developmental disabilities often have abnormal social behaviors. Children with mental retardation act in age inappropriate ways due to cognitive limitations. Children with autism or Asperger's may avoid making eye contact with parents and peers and may show no interest in "showing," "bringing" or behaviors meant to get parents' attention.
Abnormal Language Development
Many developmental disabilities are marked by impairments in language. According to the American Psychiatric Association, these often take the form of language delays or "losing" words previously learned. Although language abilities can be relearned in people with certain developmental disabilities--particularly autism--impairments in initiating and sustaining conversations typically remain.
Physical Abnormalities
Some developmental disabilities, particularly those caused by genetic abnormalities, are characterized by physical abnormalities. For example, Rett's disorder is caused by a genetic mutation. Although children with Rett's are born with a normal head circumference, following 5 months old, there is a deceleration of head growth and development of stereotyped hand movements, such as hand wringing or hand washing, and poor coordination and gait. Likewise, in Down syndrome, children have particular facial features that include a flat face with an upward slant to the eyes, a short neck, abnormally shaped ears, and small hands and feet.
References
- "American Psychiatric Association", Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, American Psychiatric Association, 2000
- Medline Plus: Developmental Disabilities
