Developmental Disabilities

What are Developmental Disabilities?

Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.

What is Developmental Delay?

Developmental Delay is when your child does not reach their developmental milestones at the expected times. It is an ongoing, major delay in the process of development. If your child is slightly or only temporarily lagging behind, that is not called developmental delay. Delay can occur in one or many areas—for example, motor, language, social, or thinking skills.

What are Speech/Language delays and disorders?

Speech is the sound that comes out of our mouths.  When it cannot be understood, there is a problem.  Speech problems, such as stuttering and mispronunciation can be very frustrating.  Language has to do with meanings, rather than sounds.  Language is a measure of intelligence and language delays are much more serious than speech problems. 

Language delay is when a child’s language is developing in the right sequence, but at a slower rate.  Speech and language disorder describes abnormal language development.  Speech/language delays and disorders are the most common developmental problem among preschool kids.  Delayed speech or language development is the most common developmental problem.  It affects five to ten percent of preschool kids.