March 6, 2025 By CDHD 10 things you should know about developmental disabilities March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month. Developmental disability is a condition that affects a person’s physical, intellectual or emotional development. This month is all about spreading awareness about developmental disability and advocating for those with developmental disabilities. In an effort to do just that, here are 10 things you should know about developmental disability. One in six children have a developmental disability. According to CDC data tracking, one in six children have a developmental disability in the United States. Different types of developmental disabilities include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and hearing impairment. The specific cause of most developmental disabilities is not known Most developmental disabilities are thought to be caused by a mix of factors. This can include genetics, illness, prenatal care, exposure to toxins or drugs, birth complications, malnutrition, low birth weight and more. It occurs among all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Developmental disabilities can occur at any point in a child’s development It can start before a baby is born or occur later on due to genetics, illness or other circumstances. These disabilities often continue throughout a person’s life. Early diagnosis is important to help ensure long term development strategies and improvements. Monitoring your child’s development is key to early identification Developmental monitoring is the process of watching your child’s growth and development. This is done by observing play, learning and speaking. It’s one of the most effective ways to identify developmental disabilities early. Check out Act Early Idaho for more information about resources available to you. People with developmental disabilities do not always have an intellectual disability Developmental disabilities can be physical or intellectual. Examples of physical developmental disabilities include vision or hearing loss, while conditions such as autism and down syndrome are examples of disabilities that can be both physical and intellectual. Autism is one of the most prevalent childhood diagnoses According to the CDC, one in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder – it is one of the most common developmental disability diagnosis received in childhood. While prevalent, it’s important to know that a diagnosis does not limit a person’s opportunity for success. There are three types of down syndrome Trisomy 21 is the most common type of down syndrome, accounting for 95% of cases. It occurs when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21 in all cells. Translocation, which is when a part of or all of chromosome 21 breaks off and attaches to another chromosome. It accounts for 3% of cases. And Mosaic is the least common type of down syndrome, accounting for 2% of cases. It occurs when only some cells have an extra copy of chromosome 21. Cerebral Palsy is the most common lifelong motor disability One out of 345 children in the US have cerebral palsy. Around 1 million people of all ages in the US have this developmental disability. It is most commonly diagnosed around age two to three; however, it can be diagnosed in babies less than one year old. Motor disability can range from minimal to profound. Life expectancy for people with developmental disabilities has increased In 1931, the life expectancy for a person with a developmental disability was just 22 years old. Today, the average life expectancy is 70 years for most people with developmental disabilities. The number of people with developmental disabilities living into old age is expected to nearly double by 2030. This has created a greater need for services aimed at caring for this growing population. Inclusion creates positive experiences for everyone Including people with disabilities in all activities, including school, sports and work, has positive effects for everyone. It helps to break down barriers and create more accessible environments. It can increase compassion, empathy and patience. It can help neurotypical people become better friends and leaders as they are exposed to more diverse human experiences.