You have two children, a school going 10-year-old and a 5-year-old pre-schooler, both energetic young boys, full of fun and enthusiasm. Your older son has achieved all the milestones required to reach from the time he was a baby. Hence, you expect the same from your younger child, and a comparison starts as you recollect your older son’s progress. The realization sets in that your child needs help and the best possible environment to encourage him, and draw out his capabilities. Sessions with a therapist confirm that he has a developmental disorder, which with support and guidance can help your child cope and build his confidence.
Understanding developmental delays
Developmental delays or disorders are a common term given to a group of chronic conditions that arise due to mental or physical impairments. In other words, a child with this condition has trouble in learning and functioning as well as other peers. Developmental disabilities can begin at any point of time, right from birth to 22 years of age, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.
Developmental disabilities arise mainly due to birth defects and can be of different types.
- Nervous system related disabilities are birth defects that affect the functioning of the brain and spinal cord, thus having an impact on learning and intelligence of the child. These include Intellectual and Developmental disabilities that result due to conditions like Down Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome. Autism Spectrum Disorders also come under nervous system disabilities, where the child’s communication and social skills are affected.
- Sensory-related disabilities arise as a result of complex birth defect patterns, where children can be deaf or develop cataracts of the eyes due to congenital rubella. Children with Fragile X Syndrome will be over sensitive to loud noises.
- Metabolic disorders that occur due to birth defects are Phenylketonuria(PKU) and Hypothyroidism.
- Degenerative disorders are normally seen, as the child grows older and can cause physical, mental and sensory problems resulting in loss of function. Rett Syndrome is a degenerative birth defect, mostly affecting females.
Previously, children having a learning or functional problem used to be called ‘mentally retarded.’ This term is not used much anymore, because it can hurt the child’s and the family’s feelings. Hence, the term ‘Developmental delays’ or ‘Developmental disability’ is used, which is a broader term and includes intellectual disability. A child is understood to have developmental delays when there a significantly low intelligence quotient (IQ) of 70 – 75 or below and problems with everyday activities.
Causes of Developmental Delays
There are a variety of factors involved that can cause developmental delays. These include:
- Genetic factors like PKU, Down Syndrome
- Exposure of the expectant mother to toxic substances
- Infection during pregnancy
- Stress on the baby during labor
- Injuries to the infant’s brain
- Serious head injury after birth
In most cases, it is difficult to identify the exact cause of developmental delay.
Identifying signs
A certified psychologist can diagnose the child on administering, scoring, and interpreting a standardized intelligence test. The child’s adaptive behavior must also be observed and judged. This shows the extent to which the child interacts and meets the demands of other people, motor skills involved, self-help and day-to-day independent living skills (eating, dressing). Ideally, pediatric screening for developmental delays should help identify the signs early; many children are not detected until early school years. The earlier the diagnosis, the easier it is to provide an appropriate school setting, and response to treatment is better. If there is an inherited component that has caused the disorder, adults can become informed of potential risks, which can be prevented. Lot of information gathered from parents or family members will be used as a basis while diagnosing, along with developmental milestones not yet achieved by the child.
Helping the child
Majority of the disabilities have no cure, but the symptoms can be treated, so that the child’s abilities can be maximized. Every child with a developmental disability has a right to education. Help is required to develop fine and gross motor skills, speech, and language skills. Then the child can go through a special educational setting for more individual attention and support. When the child has mild symptoms, engaging in nonacademic activities like sports and physical education, singing and art with a normal peer group is encouraged, especially in inclusive schools. Preparing the child to be as independent as possible and to pursue some vocational training should be a major goal of education. A smaller percentage of children, who have severe developmental issues, may need to be placed in residential settings with special education as home care is difficult for the parents. It is best though to provide such children smaller, more normal environments especially as teenagers and adults. Support can be provided from a service system (for jobs) and emotional support from family and friends will promote the interests and well being of the individual.
School environment
A child will need some help at school, so a caregiver stays to meet the needs of the child. Teachers will help as special educators in observing the child’s behavior and response to the environment. Certain schools have Individualized Education Program (IEP), which can help define the child’s strengths and weaknesses, so that a strategy can be worked to bring out the child’s abilities. Being taught ‘life skills’ are important so that the child can learn to do certain chores by themselves. Any episodes of teasing or bullying by other children should be brought to the notice of the teachers and caregivers.
Love and Bonding
At times, it does not matter to what extent your child has developmental delays. The emphasis should be on the parents’ and family members’ involvement and care that the child requires on a daily basis. Looking after a child can also be stressful for the family members. A caregiver who can provide basic care for the child will always be helpful.
At times, you can get stressed out, and lose interest in family and friends because looking after a child with developmental problems is a full time duty. Take help from your community and other support organizations, and don’t become a ‘hidden patient’ as some doctors think a caregiver can become. Your child may not always show love and affection or respond to you, but your continuous attention and care will surely bring about a lasting bond with your child. Such a child is special and is born to bring out the best from you as a parent or a caregiver.
