Development disability is a term that is mostly misunderstood and shrouded in unfair stereotypes -mostly due to misinformation, lack of knowledge on the issue, ignorance and unfamiliarity.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines development disability as, “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.”

Conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, Spina Bifida, etc. are examples of developmental disabilities and are usually apparent during childhood.

Persons with developmental abilities have often been viewed as incapable and/or less human. Contrary to this, they can thrive and grow in favorable environment and also be productive members of society.

Here are five things to know about development disabilities:

1. Causes

The cause of development disabilities are largely unknown but a wide range of factors have been linked to it. The factors are classified into genetic and environmental factors.

Some of the causative factors include: genetics; infections during, before and after childbirth; complications during childbirth; health condition of parent during pregnancy; behaviours (like smoking and alcohol consumption); environmental toxins.

Persons with development disability are not possessed by demons neither are they a product of an ancestral course. They are human beings with emotions and have feelings like the rest of humanity -only that they respond to stimuli and express themselves differently.

2. Development disability are not always physical

Most developmental disabilities (such as autism) are not physical and are often not accompanied by any physical sign. This, however, do not lessen or demean the condition.

Others (such as cerebral palsy and down syndrome) have physical signs

3. They are not dimwitted or unintelligent

Contrary to popular belief, children with development disabilities posses average or above average intelligence and may or may not be a gifted child. Their intelligence/gifts are often masked by their learning disability.

Children with developmental disabilities receive, process, and respond to information differently. Hence, they learn differently and more slowly if unfavorable methods are used for teaching.

They also have difficulty in paying attention, are often confused by details and are easily frustrated. These, however, do not limit their learning capability if well taught.

4. They can be independent

Although slow to learn, persons with development disabilities can care for themselves and take care of basic needs if taught.

Development disability is different from mental retardation.

5. Cure

There are no known cure for developmental disabilities. It can be managed and treated through special education services and specialized treatment program.

Persons with development disabilities can live a long and fruitful live if surrounded by the appropriate conditions.

Image credit: Children are students of Child Development Centre (CDC)                            Contact: [email protected]                                                                                        31, Modupe Johnson Crescent, Off Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere, Lagos.