What Are The Five Developmental Disabilities?

What Are The Five Developmental Disabilities? 

Developmental disabilities are conditions due to an impairment in learning, behavioral, physical, or language areas. Many people have one or more developmental disabilities or delays. Five developmental disabilities that are often seen are ADHD, ASD, cerebral palsy down syndrome, and Tourette syndrome. If you are looking for integrated care services in Suffolk County that accept medicaid, the CEC Health Center can help. 

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a very common neurodevelopmental disorder that is diagnosed in childhood and often carries on through adulthood. Individuals with ADHD typically have a hard time paying attention, being too active, or controlling impulses. ADHD can cause a lot of issues in a person’s life, affecting their work performance, school, or interpersonal relationships. Typically discovered during childhood, symptoms of ADHD in children include:

• Forgetfulness or the tendency to lose things. 
• Fidgeting.
• Talking too much.
• Difficulty working with others.
• Trouble concentrating.

There are actually three types of ADHD. Predominantly inattentive presentation is the type where it is hard for the individual to stay organized and finish tasks. The individual might get easily distracted. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation is where the individual talks and fidgets a lot. This person might have a hard time sitting still for an extended period, and often might feel restless and impulsive. This person might also have a hard time waiting their turn and can speak at inappropriate times. The combined presentation is where symptoms of the previous two types are equally present. Presentation can also change over time. Most of the time, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. If you are looking for ADHD treatment, there are integrated care services in Suffolk County that accept medicaid. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a development condition that affects how a person socializes, and can cause problems with communication and socialization. The word “spectrum” in autism spectrum disorders refers to the differences in symptoms and their severity. ASD includes conditions such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, and childhood disintegrative disorder. Though the term “Asperger’s syndrome” is no longer widely used, it is on the more mild end of the spectrum. ASD typically begins in early childhood, but some children appear to be developing normally in the first year, and gradually develop autism symptoms between the ages of 18 and 24 months. Signs of ASD are usually seen at around 2 years of age. Individuals with ASD typically have a unique pattern of behavior and varying severity levels. Some of the signs and symptoms include:

• Does not respond to their name, or does not appear to hear you. 
• Resists affection, prefers to play alone. 
• Lack of eye contact or facial expression.
• Delayed speech, or no speech. 
• Repeats words or phrases, but does not understand their use. 
• Trouble understanding nonverbal social cues. 

While there is no cure for ASD, integrated care services in Suffolk County that accept medicaid can lend their treatment services, which can make a big difference in a child or adult’s life. 

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability caused by abnormal brain development that affects a person’s muscle control. The symptoms and severity of cerebral palsy vary among individuals. A severe case of cerebral palsy might cause a person to not be able to walk, or require equipment to help them walk. A person with mild cerebral palsy might have trouble walking normally, but might not need special care. Cerebral palsy does not worsen over time, but symptoms can change. All people that have cerebral palsy have posture and movement problems. A lot of people may also have seizures, intellectual disability, or joint problems. The signs of cerebral palsy are different for many individuals as there are many types and levels of the disability. The clearest sign that indicates cerebral palsy is the delay in reaching movement or motor milestones. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but treatment can help improve the lives of those who have the condition, and treatment should begin as early as possible. The integrated care services in Suffolk County that accept medicaid can work with you and your family to come up with a treatment plan that best suits your needs. 

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition that occurs when a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21. Down syndrome can be diagnosed before or at birth. Prenatal screenings estimate the chances of Down syndrome in the fetus. Diagnostic tests provide a definitive diagnosis. At birth, Down syndrome is identified by the presence of these physical traits:

• Upward slant to the eyes.
• Flattened profile.
• Low muscle tone. 
• Small hands and feet, and a crease across the palm. 

While Down syndrome is a lifelong condition, starting treatment at an early age can help improve a person’s intellectual ability and physicality. Services like occupational and speech therapy can also help people with Down syndrome reach their full potential. 

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a condition that includes unwanted sounds or repetitive movements that are not easily controlled. A person with Tourette syndrome might make unusual sounds or movements. They might also repeatedly blink or make other involuntary movements. The clearest symptom of Tourette syndrome are the tics. They can range from being mild to severe.

Each individual with Tourettes may show symptoms in different ways as each case is unique to the person that suffers. There are not always defining characteristics that a person with Tourettes may carry. Often times tics can be subtle and unnoticeable to many. A common misconception of this disorder involves the idea that people who suffer may blurt out vulgar or obscene words or sentences which is not the case. An individual with mild Tourettes’ close friends or family may be the only ones who notice symptoms. 

Tics are classified into two categories, simple tics, and complex tics. Simple tics are sudden and brief, and they involve less muscle groups. Complex tics are coordinated movement patterns that involve many muscle groups. Common motor tics include:

• Blinking 
• Shrugging
• Nose twitch
• Touching objects
• Stepping in a pattern

Common vocal tics include:

• Grunting
• Throat clearing
• Repeating words or phrases

In addition, tics vary in their frequency and may worsen if you are anxious or excited. They can also worsen during early teenage years, and improve as the individual transitions into adulthood. Before the onset of tics, the individual will likely experience an uncomfortable urge, and expressing the tic will bring them relief. Treatment for Tourette syndrome is aimed at controlling tics that interfere with life. Medication is also used to help control tics. Behavioral therapy can also help an individual affected by Tourette syndrome. While there is no cure, combined treatment can improve symptoms. 

Integrated Care Services in Suffolk County that Accept Medicaid

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the disabilities mentioned, CEC Health Center can help guide you and give you the appropriate care. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality care possible with our patient-centered approach. Call to schedule your appointment today!