March is an important month in the disabled calendar as it is developmental disability month. Like many communication disability charities, many of our members have lost their speech ability through a developmental disability, often before they have even begun education. But what is a developmental disability?

What Are They?

Developmental disabilities are characterised as any condition that prevents a developing child from reaching as physical, learning, language of behavioural milestones. Typically, this group of conditions begin in the developmental period, impact day to day functioning and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime. Although these reduced abilities are hard to come to terms with, communication disability charities can help provide equipment that improve the lives of those with such disorders.

Common Examples

The most common types of developmental disability seen by communication disabilities charities include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and rett syndrome. All of these conditions can affect the speech ability of a person on a different level of severity, dependent on the individual. Autism can prevent speech from developing at all or can cause stammers and impose psychological muteness. Cerebral palsy often affects the motor skills of people and generally deteriorates over time, so even if at first an individual can speak, their speech may suffer in years to come. Rett Syndrome is a rare brain condition mainly affecting females that usually prevents a child from learning language at all, although some may be able to form sounds.

What can be done?

There are a range of communication disability charities who can help source, fund and supply communication devices to people affected by these disorders, to give them more opportunities to communicate with the world around them. Using a device such as an eye gaze, lightwriter or grid pad, many children with developmental disabilities can attend school, express their needs and voice their opinions and feelings.

If you are concerned about developmental disabilities in your young child, call our team on 01691 624 222.