What You Should Know About Developmental Disabilities

Here’s what you should know about some of the most common developmental disabilities.

Developmental disabilities come in many forms, some of which are less obvious than others. These kinds of disabilities are something everyone should be aware of to at least a minimal degree. When we know more about how people with disabilities perceive and interact with the world around them, we can then become better family members, friends, and neighbors. If you are related to someone or know someone who lives with developmental disabilities, it would benefit you and that person greatly to understand his or his situation a little better. Here’s what you should know about some of the most common developmental disabilities.

What Does The Term “Developmental Disability” Mean?

There is a technical definition for what a developmental disability is. With over six million people in the United States living with developmental disabilities today, everyone should have at least somewhat of a grasp as to how developmental disabilities work. To be considered a developmental disability, a child must have a severe, chronic disability which originated at birth or during childhood, is expected to continue indefinitely, and significantly restricts the child’s functioning in normal life. If you know someone with a developmental disability, knowing the symptoms and causes will give you a greater appreciation for how they function.

What Can Developmental Disabilities Look Like?

Developmental disabilities manifest in varying ways. Not everyone exhibits the same exact symptoms. Depending on the individual, certain symptoms may look different. The most common symptoms of major developmental disabilities are most commonly displayed in mental impairment, physical impairment, or any combination of the two. A person with developmental disabilities also displays limitations in self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.

What Are Examples Of Development Disabilities?

The most notable developmental disabilities are autism, behavioral disorders, brain injury, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, intellectual disability, and spina bifida. People living with developmental disabilities such as these benefit immensely from long-term comprehensive engagement. Reach out to a local developmental disability service that can help you find a program that is right for your friend or loved one.

Welcome to Family Service Foundation, Inc.

Family Service Foundation, Inc. has been serving the greater Maryland area since 1936. This nonprofit organization helps residents in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Frederick County, and Prince George’s County across a span of different areas such as mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse. We also provide interpretation services for deaf and deaf-blind individuals. To learn more, call us at 240-241-7249 or visit here.

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Family Service Foundation, Inc.
5301 76th Ave
Landover Hills, MD 20784
Phone: 301-459-2121
Fax: 301-459-0675

FSF is licensed by: Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration, Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration, Maryland’s Mental Health Administration, The Rehabilitation Services Administration, and Montgomery County. FSF is recognized by the Internal Revenue Services as a 501(c)(3), Not-For-Profit Agency. Financial Information and public records can easily be obtained on the Internet through www.guidestar.com or by contacting our main office at 301-459-2121.