According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, affect 17 percent of American children. The number of children diagnosed each year is increasing, though it is unclear whether the number of disabilities is rising or if the identification process is improving. There are no cures for most developmental disabilities, but there are treatments.
17 percent of children have developmental disabiities.
Features
Developmental disability is defined by the CDC as "a diverse group of physical, cognitive, psychological, sensory and speech impairments that begin anytime during development up to 18 years of age."
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the type of disability and the symptoms. Speech, occupational, physical and sensory therapies may be used.
Early Intervention is a program funded by the federal government to provide therapy to children from birth to 3 years of age. Only 2.59 percent of those eligible are served, according to First Signs, a nonprofit awareness agency. Early Intervention offers services at no charge.
Private therapies are also available. They may be funded directly by parents, through private or state insurances, or by charity organizations.
Education
After children reach the age of 3, the public school system becomes the primary provider of therapies. It provides free services that help children benefit from their educations. Public schools might have therapists on staff or use contract providers.
Variations
There are a wide range of developmental disabilities and severity within each type. Some developmental disabilities include mental retardation, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders.
Gender
Boys are identified with developmental disabilities more often than girls by a 2 to 1 margin. According to the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, this may be due to biological differences, behavioral differences or bias in the referral process.
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