Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities are birth defects that cause lifelong problems with how a body part or system works. They include

• Nervous system disabilities affecting how the brain, spinal cord and nervous system function. They cause mental retardation, including Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome. They also cause learning and behavioral disorders, such as autism
• Sensory-related disabilities, which can cause vision, hearing and sight problems
• Metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria, which affect how your body processes the materials it needs to function
• Degenerative disorders such as Rett syndrome, which might only become apparent when children are older and can cause physical and mental problems

Most developmental disabilities have no cure, but you can often treat the symptoms. Physical, speech and occupational therapy might help. Special education classes and psychological counseling can also help.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

External Resources

Sprout Film Festival - Showcasing films and videos related to the field of developmental disabilities.

Inside Out Productions - Outsider art created by artists with developmental disabilities.

Newark State School - History of Newark, New York institution for the developmentally disabled, with historic postcard image.

Illinois State Institutions in the Early Days - Overview of historic Illinois state institutions for the mentally ill, developmentally disabled, and other populations.

History - Newark State Administration Building - Newark NY - Architectural history of administration building for institution for the developmentally disabled located in Newark, New York from 1873 to 1974.

Newark State School - Vintage photographs of Newark, New York institution for the developmentally disabled on fire.

Creativity Explored - Visual art resource center for artists who have developmental disabilities.

The Paragon Store - Paragon candles are crafted in our non-profit sheltered workshop serving the developmentally disabled. Includes fundraising information and contact details

Murdoch Center Foundation - Publishes a variety of curriculum guides and assessment tools for use with persons with developmental disabilities. Sales of these products fund Foundation activities which benefit the people who live and work at Murdoch Center, a North Carolina State Regional Mental Retardation Center.

Cooking Made Easy - A cookbook for people with developmental disabilities who can read. These simplified recipes help people cook independently.

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