Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is a developmental disability?
  Developmental disability is a term used to describe disabilities that occur in the developmental years (before age 22). It may be simply caused by a mental or physical impairment or by the combination of both. Developmental disabilities cannot be cured permanently—they are life-long and chronic. Developmental disabilities include, but are not limited to: intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, Down Syndrome. It may also include injuries such as head injury if the injury occurred before age 22 or other disabilities such as learning disabilities that are related to brain dysfunction. A person who is having developmental disability will have substantial functional limitation in his/her life basically in two or more of the following areas of major life activities: self-care, language development, expressiveness, self-direction, capacity for self dependent living or economic self-sufficiency, learning, and mobility.
• What is a developmental delay?
  A slower development than normal development in a child is considered as development delay. In Missouri, if a child shows a 50% delay in one of the major areas of development (cognitive, physical, communication, social or emotional, or adaptive) he or she is considered to have a developmental delay, early intervention services can benefit in this case. If a child is diagnosed with a physical or mental condition associated with developmental disabilities or one that has a high chance of resulting in a developmental delay or disability then the child is considered to have a developmental delay
• What causes developmental disability?
  There are various causes for developmental disability, which can occur before, during or after birth. In many cases, it is also seen that a person may have a developmental disability that cannot be attributed to any specific cause. Genetic factors, also plays a role in some cases, also inherited traits or environmental factors such as infections, injuries, lack of oxygen at birth, or exposure to toxic elements, drugs or alcohol can result into developmental disability. Sometimes it is a result of combination of genetic and environmental factors.
• What are early interventions?
  Early intervention means, identifying and providing effective support and therapies as soon as possible to children, who are at risk of poor outcomes. It helps child to prepare for the future and foster a whole set of personal strengths.
• Is developmental delay a mental illness?
  No, developmental delay is not a mental illness, it is biological.