Rewarding Work’s mission is to assist people of all ages with disabilities by helping to connect them with caregivers who provide support at home and in the community. Many of the people we support have developmental disabilities, which may range from mild to more severe. Here are some facts about developmental disabilities from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Approximately one in six children in the US has one or more developmental disabilities, which may affect their ability to learn and communicate, and may impact mobility.
- Developmental disabilities can be caused by genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, exposure to certain environmental toxins during pregnancy, complications during delivery, or unknown factors. Certain infections, such as rubella (German measles) or meningitis, can also lead to developmental disabilities.
What are the Most Common Developmental Disabilities?
- Autism spectrum disorder: A group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect social interaction, communication, and behavior.
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A neurobehavioral disorder that affects attention span, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
- Cerebral palsy: A group of neurological disorders that affect movement and muscle tone.
- Down syndrome: A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21.
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A group of conditions that can occur in individuals whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy.
- Intellectual disability: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired intellectual functioning and deficits in adaptive behavior skills.
With supports, people with developmental disabilities live active and fulfilling lives, able to participate and thrive in their communities. For more information on developmental disabilities, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/index.html.