Developmental disabilities can occur any time, from birth to maturity around the age of 22. These chronic conditions may be due to mental or physical impairments. Prevention depends on early detection and treatment. Some developmental disabilities, however, are inherited and cannot be prevented.
Pregnancy
The risks of birth defects and developmental disabilities can be reduced by proper nutrition during pregnancy. Folic acid has been identified as crucial to the proper development of the brain and nervous system. Avoiding alcohol eliminates the occurence of fetal alcohol syndrome. If there is a family history of genetic disorders, ask for genetic screening. Avoid illegal drugs and consult a medical professional before taking any over-the-counter medication. Maintain regular prenatal care to reduce risks.
Signs and Symptoms
Infant development progresses in a predictable pattern. Each child matures at his or her own pace but general guidelines are available. Infant development focuses on large motor skills and movements. Consistent delays in rolling over, sitting up, crawling or any other physical skills may indicate a developmental disability. Once large motor skills such as walking are mastered, the focus on smaller muscle movements begins. Learning to button and zip or color with a crayon are some of the first small muscle skills. These fine muscle skills are refined throughout childhood. Passing objects from one hand to another is an important physical skill as it requires movement across the median of the body. Difficulty with this task may be one of the first signs of a problem.
Prevention and Treatment
The causes of many developmental disabilities are unknown. Environmental factors can be managed to eliminate some physical disabilities. Avoiding loud noises, such as headphones turned up, can prevent deafness. Eating a nutritious diet can reduce the risk of problems owing to malnutrition. Gluten intolerance or other food allergies can create symptoms similar to some developmental disabilities such as ADHD. Many disabilities, such as Spina bifida or Down syndrome, are not preventable. Some of these conditions can be treated effectively with behavioral, occupational or speech therapy.
Early treatment can reduce or eliminate the effects of some developmental disabilities. Autism may be treated with behavioral, occupational and social therapy to reduce some of the behaviors. If treatment begins in early childhood, the symptoms may disappear as the child learns to manage the sensory inputs he or she receives. Chiropractic treatment is another therapy that may improve some developmental disabilities such as Asperger syndrome. Changes in diet to eliminate gluten, additives and preservatives are alternative methods of treatment that have received attention.
Tips
Join an organization specific to the developmental delay of your child. Talk with other parents to understand what services are available locally and to create a sense of community. Research current treatment options and stay informed. Research is conducted on many disabilities, and new treatments may emerge that benefit your child.
Warning
Preventing developmental disabilities may not be possible. Preventing some of the underlying causes and treating the symptoms may be the best outcome possible.
Tags: developmental disabilities, disabilities such, behavioral occupational, developmental disabilities such, Infant development, large motor, large motor skills
