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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDevelopmental\ndisabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical,\nlearning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during a child\u2019s developmental\nperiod, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a\nperson\u2019s lifetime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Developmental\ndisabilities occur among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Recent\nestimates in the United States show that about one in six, or about 17%, of\nchildren aged 3 through 17 years have one or more developmental disabilities,\nsuch as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- ADHD<\/li>
- Autism <\/li>
- Cerebral palsy<\/li>
- Down syndrome<\/li>
- Hearing Loss<\/li>
- Vision impairment<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
According\nto the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) most developmental disabilities are believed\nto be caused by a complex mix of factors including genetics; parental health\nand behaviors (such as smoking and drinking) during pregnancy; complications\nduring birth; infections the mother might have during pregnancy or the baby\nmight have very early in life; and exposure of the mother or child to high\nlevels of environmental toxins, such as lead. For some developmental\ndisabilities, such as fetal alcohol syndrome is caused by drinking alcohol\nduring pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diagnosing a developmental disability involves monitoring when children reach developmental milestones, such as when they first speak, crawl and walk and how they behave and learn. As a parent, you know your child best. If you feel your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, speak with your pediatrician and share your concerns because early intervention is vital in helping your child overcome barriers and lead a full life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you would like to make an appointment with a pediatrician at Jamaica Hospital, please call our Ambulatory Care Center<\/a> at 718-206-7001.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. During this month-long observance we look to raise awareness and educate the community on developmental disabilities. Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. … Continue reading