Developmental Disabilities

How to Teach Language to Children With Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities

Children with autism or other developmental disabilities typically suffer from impairments in their ability to communicate. They often have limited or delayed language and speech skills. Professionals, such as speech and developmental therapists, along with dedicated parents, can teach language skills to these children by using specially designed communication aids. Dr. Laura Schriebman emphasizes the success rate of communication systems made up of pictorial representations. Strategic efforts to develop language skills in children with...

All About Developmental Disabilities

Music Therapy & Developmental Disability

A child with a developmental disability -- for example, autism or cerebral palsy -- will commonly struggle with language, learning, daily activities or mobility in comparison to her typically-developing peers. Music therapy is ...

Arm Exercises for Developmental Disabilities

Physical exercise can be a beneficial tool for therapists when dealing with patients with developmental disabilities or mental retardation, according the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. They note that a common symptom...

Characteristics of the Trainable but Mentally Handicapped

The DSM IV states that individuals with moderate intellectual disabilities--trainable mental retardation in older terminology--have IQ scores between 35 and 55 and can generally communicate fairly well. Like all persons diagnos...

Arm Toning Exercises for Developmental Disabilities

Children and adults with developmental disabilities often have low muscle tone, which can affect posture, endurance and motor skills. Though it is controversial as to whether muscle tone can increase, it is clear that a person ...

About Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities usually appear prior to the age of 22 and remain with the individual throughout his life as a chronic condition, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Tests can be done upon th...

The Definition of Mentally Handicapped

The term "mentally handicapped" is often used interchangeably with "mental retardation," "developmentally disabled" or "mentally challenged." The Genetics Home Reference defines a mental handicap or mental retardation as "subno...

Common Developmental Disabilities

A developmental disability is a life-long physical or cognitive impairment that limits daily functioning and restricts participation in activities. A developmental disability may interfere with learning, mobility, working, spea...

Types of Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities are birth defects that are enduring impairments to physical or cognitive functioning. Individuals with a developmental disability may have difficulty with learning, language, coordinating body movemen...

Activities for Adults With Developmental Disabilities

Although some individuals are able to work and are relatively self sufficient, others are not. There are a variety of activities that can help adults with developmental disabilities to socialize, express their feelings and stay...

Gift Ideas for Developmental Disabilities

Gifts that help to hone visual, cognitive and motor skills can be educational and enjoyable. Choose thoughtful gift ideas for developmental disabilities that take into consideration the individual's interests and promote learni...

Characteristics of Developmental Disabilities

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 ...