Developmental Disabilities
What are developmental disabilities?
Developmental disabilities are birth defects. A single body part, an entire system, or multiple systems can be affected. They are also known as functional birth defects.
Different Types of Developmental Disabilities
Nervous System Disabilities
The nervous system includes the brain, the vertebrates, spinal cord, ganglia, nerves, and nerve centers. A developmental problem in these areas impacts learning and intelligence such as:
- Language difficulties
- Behavioral problems
- Speech problems
- Motor skills
- Convulsions
Some common nervous system disabilities are:
- Mental retardation is a term used to describe a particular range of scores on an IQ (intelligence quota) test. Downs Syndrome is an example of retardation. There are a set of characteristics related to having an extra copy of Chromosome 21. One of the symptoms of Downs Syndrome is mental retardation, and early mental decline. Those with Downs Syndrome often have heart defects also. However, modern treatments are going a long way to help sufferers live healthy and productive lives.
- Fragile X Syndrome is caused by a defect in a specific part of the Fragile X Mental Retardation-1gene. This causes the body to produce low amounts or none of a certain protein. Normal brain development depends on this particular protein.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder is a term that encompasses a range of problems affecting intelligence, communications skills, and social skills. People diagnosed with autism can have symptoms rated from mild to very severe.
Sensory-Related Developmental Disabilities
Sensory related problems are often an important part of complex birth defect problems. A child whose mother had rubella or German measles while pregnant can have congenital rubella. They are likely to have cataracts of the eyes and be deaf. Children with Williams Syndrome have trouble seeing spacial relationships between objects around them. Those who suffer with Fragile X Syndrome are extremely sensitive to noise, and may have sudden outbursts in reaction to sounds around them.
Metabolic Disorders
Two commonly known metabolic disorders are:
- Phenylketonuria (fee-nill-kee-toe-NERR-ee-uh) also known as PKU, is one that is tested for immediately after birth. It is a condition with a specific enzyme problem. A dietary therapy has been developed that helps balance the amount of this enzyme in the body, which has eliminated mental retardation in people with PKU. The diet needs to be followed throughout life and pregnant women particularly as they can pass PKU on to their children.
- Hypothyroidism (high-poe-THIGH-roid-ism) is a hormonal condition that can cause mental retardation in the baby if the mother goes untreated. A hormone is made from a chemical signal created by the thyroid. Hormones are required to regulate many functions in the body, including puberty and pregnancy. A mother lacking enough thyroid hormones can give birth to a baby with mental retardation. Treatments aimed at getting the thyroid level normal can prevent retardation in many cases. That is why early diagnosis is extremely important. Research has shown that children who are born with hypothyroidism can also be treated with a thyroid hormone to prevent many of the long term effects of this condition.
Degenerative Disorders
Some degenerative disorders are a result of metabolic disorders. Children born with
degenerative disorders can appear normal at birth, but symptoms appear as they grow a little older. Degenerative order can cause mental, physical, and sensory problems. Early onset X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-LD) develops in boys at age 4 to 8. At that point, they begin to lose brain and nervous system function. Eventually, boys with X-ALD lose so much of their brain function that they appear to be in a ‘frozen’ state. They are unable to communicate or move.
Rett Syndrome is a degenerative disorder that affects girls. This disorder is often caused by a specific genetic disorder.
Early detection of these problems is of utmost importance. Detection is focused on screening techniques, and then therapies that may relieve the symptoms. Research is underway to find the cellular mechanisms or genetic markers for these conditions.
Treatments for Developmental Disabilities
Although many developmental disabilities are incurable, there are treatments that can make life more functional. Therapy of various kinds, dietary regimes, and exercises, along with medications are available, and they are making a big difference in the lives of those who live with developmental disabilities.
