Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.Most common disabilities: Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, Prevasive developmental disorders, Fetal alchohol spectrum disorders, Cerebral palsy, Intellectual disability. Developmental disabilities are severe, long-term problems. They may be physical, such as blindness. They may affect mental ability, such as learning disorders. Or the problem can be both physical and mental, such as Down syndrome. The problems are usually life-long, and can affect everyday living. The main causes of developmental disabilities , Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, Prenatal exposure to substances, Preterm birth. Genetic abnormalities cuase conditions such as down syndrome, Rett syndrome.

Treatment:
Treatments include physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Special education classes and psychological counseling can also help Once a child is diagnosed with a developmental disability, early intervention is critical. Treatments such as socialization exercises and behavioral therapy may be used to reinforce and support positive behavior. In addition, treatments such as speech, physical therapy or occupational therapy can improve a child's verbal, cognitive and social abilities and motor skills. Children with Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and other IDDs can often benefit from therapeutic speech therapy, occupational therapy, and exercises to improve their gross- and fine-motor skills.

Major research:
Differences across counties in the registered prevalence of autism, ADHD, epilepsy and cerebral palsy in Norway : The prevalence across counties of autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, epilepsy and cerebral palsy in children aged 0 – 12 was estimated with the aid of data from the Norwegian Patient Register for the years 2008 – 11. In the age group 6 – 12 years, nationwide prevalence amounted to 0.6 % for autism spectrum disorders, 2.0 % for ADHD, 0.9 % for epilepsy and 0.3 % for cerebral palsy. In total, 5.0 % of all twelve-year-olds were registered with one or more of these diagnoses. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders and ADHD varied between the counties, from 0.3 % to 1.5 % for autism spectrum disorders and from 1.1 % to 3.5 % for ADHD.