Developmental Disabilities:

The term "Developmental Disability" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that: is attributable to a mental or physical delay or combination of mental and physical delay that begins before the individual turns 22 years of age. A delay can occur temporarily or it can be long-term and never fully resolve.

It results in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care - receptive and expressive language - learning - mobility - self-direction - capacity for independent living - economic self-sufficiency.

You may have concerns like these:

• “My child doesn’t respond to my voice.”
• “He/she hasn’t learned a new word in months.”
• “He/she doesn’t look at me—he/she never makes eye contact.”
• “He/she spends a great deal of time lining up toys.”
• “He/she has no interest in other children.”

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, Public Law 106-402. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/ddact/DDACT2.html.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, be prepared, express your concerns clearly, ask questions, and follow up.

Be prepared. If you have questions or concerns, write down a few examples that might assist your doctor. You can find out what is “normal” developmental milestones by visiting this website checklist.

Express your concerns clearly. You have a concern about your child’s development. If your doctor doesn’t think testing is necessary, or isn’t responsive to your concerns. Ask why. And remember, “don’t worry” or “let’s wait and see” are not adequate responses. Schedule a follow up appointment, if necessary, or ask for a referral to a developmental pediatrician. This is your child and is your primary concern.

Ask questions. If there are terms you don’t understand, ask your doctor to explain. Ask what the next step will be.

Follow up. For parents who learn from the screening that their child may be at risk of a developmental delay, follow up is crucial.