Did you know that March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month?
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month highlights the diverse experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities and promotes inclusion.
In light of this, we at ONE are delighted to provide you with a brief introduction into the different types of developmental disabilities. We’ll guide you through some quick, easy tips on how to support your loved ones. And we’ll give a couple of suggestions on how to celebrate this special month as well.
Ready? Alright, let’s get started!
What Are Developmental Disabilities?
A developmental disability, also known as a developmental disorder, refers to a group of conditions that cause mental and physical impairments. These typically emerge in early childhood and can impact a person’s lifelong learning and development.
The 5 Main Developmental Disabilities
According to Charlie Health, there are 5 main developmental disabilities. Let’s go through each of them, one by one.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
You probably already have a general idea of what autism is. To clarify, autism is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes sensory input and information.
This can lead to challenges in 3 key areas: Social, behavioural and communication.
People with autism may find certain social interactions challenging, such as starting and sustaining a conversation. They may also engage in repetitive behaviors, known as stimming, which helps them self-regulate. Verbal and nonverbal communication can also be more difficult for them to interpret.
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. This can lead to learning disabilities and delays in cognitive development.
Similar to autism, people with Down syndrome may have some difficulty with social skills. It could be difficult for them to follow a conversation, or start one. Individuals with Down syndrome may also require assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, cooking, and managing routines..
Additionally, individuals with Down syndrome may have distinct physical features, such as a shorter neck or upward-slanting eyes.
Cerebral Palsy
This is a neurological disorder caused by brain damage during or just after birth. For example, a lack of oxygen during childbirth. Or an infection during infancy.
People with cerebral palsy may experience difficulty in body movement, balance, and muscle coordination.
As a result, individuals with cerebral palsy may struggle with daily activities due to involuntary muscle contractions and stiffness, known as muscle spasticity. This can make movements like walking or even sitting uncomfortable or painful.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)
FASD refers to a group of disorders caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, which can lead to physical and cognitive developmental delays in children.
For example, babies with FASD may have low birth weight or an unusually small head size.
As they grow, individuals with FASD may face challenges in learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. Socially, they may struggle with communication and self-expression.
Okay, What Next For Developmental Disabilities Month?
The above are simply a brief overview of the 5 main developmental disorders. Over time, ONE will release some more resources so you can get a better picture of each developmental disorder.
But in the meantime, here are some of our bite-sized, existing articles that you might want to check out so you can support your loved ones with developmental disabilities:
✅ Your simple guide to autism in young children
How to support my loved ones with developmental disabilities?
Educate
The most important step you can take is to educate yourself about their condition.
Understand their condition and what it entails. Read up on resources (like ONE Intervention’s Resource page) and consult specialists. Educate yourself and be aware.
Find A Support Group
Caring for a loved one with a developmental disability comes with challenges, but you don’t have to—and shouldn’t—face them alone.
ONE has got you covered with our Facebook and our trusted team of therapists and teachers. But you may want to find more people as well: Family, friends and other people in your community. Support each other so you can be there for your loved one.
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Take Care of Yourself
Don’t burn out while trying to care for your loved one. Take time for yourself and set boundaries. Make sure that you have a handy network to support your loved one when you need time for yourself.
In fact, if you’re looking for it, ONE has a thoughtful article on the importance of self-care for caregivers.
What can I do during Developmental Disabilities Month?
Start by Being Aware
This month, make it a point to learn more about developmental disabilities. Did you know that in the United States, about 1 in 6 children have a developmental disability? And that’s just in one country – it’s more common than you’d think. Why not educate yourself about this with our Resources page?
Help Out
Consider volunteering at centers that support children with developmental disabilities. Your time and effort can make a meaningful impact on their growth and well-being. It’s meaningful, and what do you know – sometimes, it can even be fun.
Spread the Word
Read up and share the knowledge online. An article can be forwarded to friends and family with just a simple click. And, after sharing, maybe you could use some of these hashtags on social media:
- #DevDisabilitiesAwareness 2025
- #InclusionMatters
- #CelebrateDifferences
Ready to Start Developmental Disabilities Month With Us?
We’ll get the ball rolling and share some of the resources that we used in writing this article. Check them out:
🔗 About Developmental Disability Month
🔗 For more information about developmental disabilities: Charlie Health, Marriage & Family Services, and Ivy Rehab
🔗 And more information on how to support a loved one with a developmental disability.
Stay tuned for more from ONE! We’re excited to share with you about our daily work, insights into our daily work, new advocacy and awareness articles, and fun family-friendly activity ideas. We can’t wait to continue this journey with you!
See you then!