As a parent, the knowledge that your child may have a developmental disability may come at any time. Some disabilities related to physical factors, such as vision impairment, cerebral palsy, or other genetic disorders, are discovered early in a child’s life.
Other disabilities only become apparent as a child grows, such as autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or other developmental delays. And some disabilities caused by illness or injury can happen at any time.
Regardless of when and why they happen, developmental disabilities can have a significant impact on both a child and family members. Parents typically have fears about all aspects of caregiving and school, along with concerns about safety, accessibility, and how to balance all the extra responsibilities that come with having a child with special needs.
Common developmental disabilities
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developmental disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas and include:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Cerebral palsy
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Learning or intellectual disabilities
- Hearing loss
- Vision impairment
- Genetic conditions like Down syndrome
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
- Other developmental delays
Early Intervention: Prenatal up to 3 years old
Some developmental disabilities can be determined early through prenatal testing, helping parents know in advance that their child is likely to be born with special needs. Parents can take proactive steps to learn more about the condition in these cases by speaking with their pediatrician and researching reputable websites like the American Academy of Pediatrics. With this knowledge, parents can then understand what to expect regarding their child’s cognitive, physical, and behavioral development. They can also start exploring what services they need and what government programs are available to assist.
If your child is likely to have a developmental disability, a parent can contact South Carolina’s early intervention services ahead of time to learn how to proceed after the birth of their child. In South Carolina, BabyNet is our state’s interagency early intervention system for infants and toddlers under three years of age with developmental delays or who have conditions associated with developmental delays.
BabyNet matches the unique needs of infants and toddlers with developmental delays from birth to 3 years of age with the professional resources available within the community. Anyone can make a referral by completing an Online Referral Form or calling the Central Referral Team at 1-866-512-8881.
School Years
Some childhood development disabilities may not be apparent until a child enters preschool or a kindergarten setting. These structured learning environments tend to highlight learning disabilities such as autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders.
With a special education law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), special education and related services are available to children with disabilities in public schools. Eligibility is based on a child’s educational performance that is considered to be adversely affected due to a particular disability.
Once it’s been determined that a child is eligible for special education services, parents should become actively involved in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process. An IEP is reviewed and revised annually and offers services enabling the child to benefit from special education that may extend to speech, physical and occupational therapies, psychological services, therapeutic recreation, parent training, and more. Consult your child’s school district administrators for more information on these special programs.
Additional support for you and your child
Having a child with a developmental disability can be challenging. One of the most important things a parent can do is to build a support system of family members or outside help from friends, support groups, and professionals who can help reduce the stress and time constraints of being a caregiver. Although you may hesitate to ask for help, friends and family members will likely be understanding and eager to lend a hand.
Parents should also consider expanding their support network. If you’re religious, consider asking people in your place of worship for support. Caregiver organizations and organizations that focus specifically on your child’s developmental disability can also be good resources. Parents should also stay educated on federal, state, and local government policies and programs related to developmental disabilities. In the U.S., for example, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires child care centers to make reasonable modifications and provide certain types of aids and services for children with disabilities.
When choosing child care options, also know that child care providers in the ABC Quality program follow ADA Guidelines, which include modifications and accommodations to include children with varying abilities in all activities and routines and offer specialized services to support children with disabilities in the classroom setting.
Additional South Carolina resources for parents with children who have development disabilities include the following: