March is a Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March is a Developmental Disability Awareness Month, it's a time to raise awareness socially about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. This is a month of awareness of the barriers that people with developmental disabilities face wherever they live.
Every March in a year, the National Association of Councils for Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and social media work together to create a social media campaign, where people with disabilities and the deprive come together to build a strong society.
Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas.
ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, intellectual disability, learning disability, vision impairment and other developmental delays are commonly affected.
The most common developmental disability is intellectual disability. ID is a term commonly used when a person has certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including communication, social and self-care skills. Cerebral palsy is the second most common developmental disability, followed by autism spectrum disorder.
Common Causes of Developmental Disabilities are Drug or alcohol abuse during pregnancy. It also includes Genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome or Fragile X syndrome. Besides these, Accidents during infancy or childhood that cause trauma to the brain, Malnutrition, Infectious diseases, Abuse and neglect are responsible.
The characteristics of developmental disabilities are Severe Intellectual Disability. Noticeable motor impairment is also seen. Significant delay in developmental milestones, limited communicative skills, but can understand and respond to others speech. Routine self-help skills and repetitive activities are taught and followed.
ADHD is also a developmental disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is now known as a developmental disorder persist in preschool-age, symptoms vary, depending on the age group affected. Along with autism, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, vision impairment and others, so ADHD is also considered a developmental disability.
Autism is another common developmental disorder. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.
A disability affects a child's development with possible restrictions on their lifestyles, those who are disabled in childhood may be more isolated from peer and relatives. Similarly, they may have fewer chances to take part in social activities, and to form friendship and relationship.
Anxiety is not a developmental disability. There is a differences between Developmental Disorders and Mental Illnesses. A well-known example of developmental disorders is autism, according to MedicineNet.com. Mental illnesses include mood disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia,
The main difference between developmental delay and autism is to put it in simply. A developmental delay is when your child does not reach their developmental milestones at the expected times, on the other hand Autism refers to a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, present from early childhood which is characterized by the difficulty in communicating and making relationships with others.
Often there is no cure for developmental disabilities, but treatment can help the symptoms. Treatments include physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Special education classes and psychological counseling can also do.
The diagnosis of intellectual disability is made based on the results of cognitive abilities (intelligence) and adaptive skills (how a child functions in everyday activities). A psychologist generally apply the cognitive testing. The psychologist or developmental pediatrician may also determine adaptive skills (having the ability or tendency to adapt to different situations).
It is mandatory to Act to Prevent Disabilities during Pregnancy quit smoking and avoid Second-Hand Smoke (smoke that comes from the burning of a tobacco product and smoke that is exhaled by smokers) and know the dangers of substance use. Take recommended Vitamins and meet nutritional needs. Screening newborns for Early Intervention. Early eye and hearing examinations are also important.
We can help a child's developmental delay. By showing them picture cards or telling stories about social situations can teach children social skills. Some children with developmental delay may need extra help with toileting, its normal. Teach them with help of occupational therapist it may be helpful to show them a positive behavior, give them clear instructions so that they know what is expected, and provide reward and praise. Discipline Strategies for Special Needs Children are praised for good behaviors, ignoring bad behaviors. If possible, determine the underlying cause for the behaviors and address it. Avoid punishments give them choices.
Dr. Selina Sultana
Consultant: Department of Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Child Development and Paediatrics, Better Life Hospital.
Former Autism Specialist: Dhaka Community Medical College and Hospital.
