Paul Taylor

What are the major developmental disabilities?      Source:  www.disabilityhelp.org
“There are five types of developmental disabilities which include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy (CP), intellectual disability (ID), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability that affects how individuals communicate, interact with others, and experiences the world. Individuals with ASD may have difficulties in social interaction and communication skills. 

They also often display repetitive behaviors or interests. These symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can affect movement, muscle tone, reflexes, posture, balance, and coordination. There are many different types of cerebral palsy with varying degrees of severity. 

The most common symptoms include muscle stiffness, involuntary movements, poor motor planning skills, difficulty swallowing and speaking, seizures, or other neurological problems such as intellectual disabilities.

Intellectual Disability (ID)
Intellectual disability is a general term for any type of significant cognitive or intellectual impairment that impacts an individual’s ability to function in everyday life. They can face difficulty learning new things, remembering information, solving problems, and communicating effectively.

Individuals with ID are typically characterized by intellectual and adaptive functioning limitations, ranging from mild to severe. The severity of the disorder varies greatly depending on the person’s age and environment. 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD / ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that affects the brain’s regulation of behavior. The symptoms of ADHD include difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. 

These symptoms can make it difficult for people with ADHD to function in everyday life or at school. People with ADHD may also have other conditions such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, or autism spectrum disorders. 

Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities affect the brain’s ability to receive, process, store, and respond to information. The term learning disability is often used with other terms such as intellectual disability, cognitive impairment, or developmental disorder. 

Learning disabilities are not mental illnesses but rather neurological disorders. There are many different types of learning disabilities, and they can be caused by many factors, including genetics, brain injury, or environmental influences, at any given age.”