In the spirit of Developmental Disability Awareness Month, we’d like to shed some light on a concern many parents have. Could your child have a developmental disability? We’ll help bring you closer to an answer in this article examining the signs and symptoms of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). By the end, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for with IDDs and actionable advice to help you obtain any necessary care for your child.
Each Developmental Disability is Different
Before we break down developmental disability symptoms and signs, it’s critical to acknowledge that every developmental disability is different. Each one has unique symptoms.
Also, just because your child shows one or even a few developmental disability symptoms, that doesn’t mean they definitely have an IDD. But if you do notice that something is off, we urge you to bring it up to your child’s primary care physician for advice and the next steps.
Common Signs of Developmental Disabilities in Children
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) plainly displays the most common signs of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in children. Falling behind in developmental milestones and having difficulty remembering things are just a couple of them. Read on for more information about each sign.
1. Not Hitting Developmental Milestones On Time
In your child’s early years, their progress will be tracked via developmental milestones. They’ll be expected to look at your face by 2 months old or play next to/with other children by 30 months old. If your little one is falling behind on their milestones, they could potentially have an IDD.
2. Motor Skills Delays
Delays in motor skills are relatively common with developmental disabilities. A child might struggle to button their shirt or tie their shoes, possibly indicating a need for additional support and investigation in this area.
3. Difficulty Remembering Things
Forgetting what everyday objects are called or being unable to follow multi-step instructions are signs of a poor memory. Being unable to recall information could signal a developmental disability.
4. Trouble Understanding Social Rules and Cues
Recognizing and responding appropriately to social cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice are important parts of childhood development. Children with IDDs may have trouble determining when someone is sad, striking up a conversation, or giving others enough personal space.
5. Problem Solving Issues
Little ones with developmental disabilities may find it difficult to solve problems that the average child finds to be simple. Solving puzzles and figuring out how to complete tasks on their own could be especially challenging for kids with IDDs.
If your child does have a developmental disability and you live in Louisiana, be sure to read this article on LA Medicaid waiver resources to explore.
What Happens When My Child Turns 21?
If your child has a developmental disability, when they turn 21, any waivers or services they receive may change. The good thing is that there are resources available for adults with developmental disabilities, and several IDD waivers are for all ages. So, although there may be a bit of a transition, rest assured that there’s assistance out there. If you have any questions, reach out to a support coordinator for more information.
So, there you have it – the signs your child might have a developmental disability and what happens when they turn 21. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you evaluate your child’s health and ensure they get the assistance they need.
