FACT SHEET ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT, DELAYS, DISORDERS, AND TREATMENT

Index

What is Child development?
What is a developmental delay? Will my child just grow out of it?
What is developmental screening?
Why is developmental screening important?
What are autism spectrum disorders?
What are some of the signs of ASDs?
What can I do if I think my child has an ASD?
What is cerebral palsy?
What are some of the signs of cerebral palsy?
What causes cerebral palsy?
What can I do if I think my child might have cerebral palsy?
What is mental retardation?
What are some of the signs of mental retardation?
What can I do if I think my child may have mental retardation?
What is vision loss?
What causes loss of vision?
When should my child be checked?
What can I do if I think my child may have vision loss?
What is hearing loss in children?
What are some of the signs of hearing loss?
What causes hearing loss? Can it be prevented?

What is child development?

A child’s growth is more than just physical. Children grow, develop, and learn throughout their lives, starting at birth. A child’s development can be followed by how they play, learn, speak, and behave.

What is a developmental delay? Will my child just grow out of it?

Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in playing, learning, speaking, behaving, and moving (crawling, walking, etc.). A developmental delay is when your child does not reach these milestones at the same time as other children the same age. If your child is not developing properly, there are things you can do that may help. Most of the time, a developmental problem is not something your child will “grow out of” on his or her own. But with help, your child could reach his or her full potential!

What is developmental screening?

Doctors and nurses use developmental screening to tell if children are learning basic skills when they should, or if they might have problems. Your child’s doctor may ask you questions or talk and play with your child during an exam to see how he or she learns, speaks, behaves, and moves. Since there is no lab or blood test to tell if your child may have a delay, the developmental screening will help tell if your child needs to see a specialist.

Why is developmental screening important?

When a developmental delay is not recognized early, children must wait to get the help they need. This can make it hard for them to learn when they start school. In the United States, 17 percent of children have a developmental or behavioral disability such as autism, mental retardation, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In addition, many children have delays in language or other areas. But, less than half of children with problems are identified before starting school. During this time, the child could have received help for these problems and may even have entered school more ready to learn.

I have concerns that my child could have a developmental delay. Whom can I contact in my state to get a developmental assessment for my child?

Talk to your child’s doctor or nurse if you have concerns about how your child is developing. If you or your doctor think there could be a problem, you can take your child to see a developmental pediatrician or other specialist, and you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older) for help. To find out who to speak to in your area, you can contact the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities by logging on to www.nichcy.org/states.htm. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has links to information for families at (www.cdc.gov/actearly). If there is a problem, it is very important to get your child help as soon as possible.

How can I help my child’s development?

Proper nutrition, exercise, and rest are very important for children’s health and development. Providing a safe and loving home and spending time with your child – playing, singing, reading, and even just talking – can also make a big difference in his or her development.

What are autism spectrum disorders?

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities caused by a problem with the brain. Scientists do not know yet exactly what causes this problem. ASDs can impact a person’s functioning at different levels, from very mildly to severely. There is usually nothing about how a person with an ASD looks that sets them apart from other people, but they may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most people. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary – from gifted to severely challenged. Autistic disorder is the most commonly known type of ASD, but there are others, including “pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified” (PDD-NOS) and Asperger Syndrome.

What are some of the signs of ASDs?

People with ASDs may have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASDs also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. ASDs begin during early childhood and last throughout a person’s life.

A child or adult with an ASD might:

• not play “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll)
• not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over)
• not look at objects when another person points at them
• have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
• avoid eye contact and want to be alone
• have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
• prefer not to be held or cuddled or might cuddle only when they want to
• appear to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sounds

• be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them
• repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language (echolalia)
• have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
• repeat actions over and over again (hand flapping, finger movements, rocking, etc.)
• have trouble adapting when a routine changes
• have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
• lose skills they once had (for instance, stop saying words they were using)

* Note: Contact your child’s doctor or nurse if your child experiences a dramatic loss of skills at any age.

What can I do if I think my child has an ASD?

You are doing the right thing now – talking with your child’s doctor or nurse. If you or your doctor think there could be a problem, ask for a referral to see a developmental pediatrician or other specialist, and you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older). To find out who to speak to in your area, you can contact the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) by logging onto www.nichcy.org/states.htm. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has links to additional information for families at www.cdc.gov/autism.

Right now, the main research-based treatment for ASDs is intensive structured teaching of skills, often called behavioral intervention. It is very important to begin this intervention as early as possible in order to help your child reach his or her full potential. Acting early can make a real difference!

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood. It is sometimes referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), and, in some cases, are overly active.

What are some of the signs of ADHD?

It is normal for children, at one time or another, to have trouble focusing and behaving. However, in children with ADHD, the symptoms continue instead of getting better, and they can make learning very difficult.

A child with ADHD might:

• have a hard time paying attention and daydream a lot
• not seem to listen
• be easily distracted from schoolwork or play
• forget things
• be in constant motion or unable to stay seated
• squirm or fidget
• talk too much
• not be able to play quietly
• act and speak without thinking
• have trouble taking turns
• interrupt others

Deciding if a child has ADHD is a several step process. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, like anxiety, depression, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. One step of the process involves having a medical exam, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out other problems with symptoms like ADHD. Another part of the process may include a checklist for rating ADHD symptoms and taking a history of the child from parents, teachers, and sometimes, the child.

What can I do if I think my child may have ADHD?

You are doing the right thing now – talking with your child’s doctor or nurse. If you or your doctor have concerns about ADHD, you can take your child to a specialist such as a child psychologist or developmental pediatrician, or you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older). To find out who to speak to in your area, you can contact the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities by logging on to www.nichcy.org/states.htm.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sponsors the National Resource Center, a program of CHADD – Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Their Web site has links to information for people with ADHD and their families (www.help4adhd.org). The National Resources Center operates a call center with trained staff to answer questions about ADHD. The number is 1-800-233-4050.

In order to make sure your child reaches his or her full potential, it is very important to get help for ADHD as early as possible.

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means weakness or problems with using the muscles. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and keep their balance and posture as a result of an injury to parts of the brain, or as a result of a problem with development. Often the problem happens before birth or soon after being born. Cerebral palsy causes different types of disabilities in each child. A child may simply be a little clumsy or awkward, or unable to walk at all.

What are some of the signs of cerebral palsy?

The signs of cerebral palsy vary greatly because there are many different types and levels of disability. The main sign that your child might have cerebral palsy is a delay reaching the motor or movement milestones. If you see any of these signs, call your child’s doctor or nurse.

A child over 2 months with cerebral palsy might:

• have difficulty controlling head when picked up
• have stiff legs that cross or “scissor” when picked up

A child over 6 months with cerebral palsy might:

• continue to have a hard time controlling head when picked up
• reach with only one hand while keeping the other in a fist

A child over 10 months with cerebral palsy might:

• crawl by pushing off with one hand and leg while dragging the opposite hand and leg
• not sit by himself or herself

A child over 12 months with cerebral palsy might:

• not crawl
• not be able to stand with support

A child over 24 months with cerebral palsy might:

• not be able to walk
• not be able to push a toy with wheels

What causes cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is caused by a problem in the brain that affects a child’s ability to control his or her muscles. Problems in different parts of the brain cause problems in different parts of the body. There are many possible causes of problems, such as genetic conditions, problems with the blood supply to the brain before birth, infections, bleeding in the brain, lack of oxygen, severe jaundice, and head injury.

What can I do if I think my child might have cerebral palsy?

You are doing the right thing now – talking with your child’s doctor or nurse. If you or your doctor have concerns about cerebral palsy, you can seek the help of a specialist such as a developmental pediatrician or child neurologist, and you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older). To find out who to speak to in your area, you can contact the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities by logging on to www.nichcy.org/states.htm. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has links to information for families (www.cdc.gov/ncbddd).

To help your child reach his or her full potential, it is very important to get help for him or her as early as possible!

What is mental retardation?

Mental retardation, also known as intellectual disability, is a term used when there are limits to a person’s ability to learn at an expected level and function in daily life. Levels of mental retardation vary greatly in children – from a very slight problem to a very severe problem. Children with mental retardation might have a hard time letting others know their wants and needs, and taking care of themselves. Mental retardation could cause a child to learn and develop more slowly than other children of the same age. It could take longer for a child with mental retardation to learn to speak, walk, dress, or eat without help, and they could have trouble learning in school.

Mental retardation can be caused by a problem that starts any time before a child turns 18 years old – even before birth. It can be caused by injury, disease, or a problem in the brain. For many children, the cause of their mental retardation is not known. Some of the most common known causes of mental retardation – like Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, fragile X syndrome, genetic conditions, birth defects, and infections – happen before birth. Others happen while a baby is being born or soon after birth. Still other causes of mental retardation do not occur until a child is older; these might include serious head injury, stroke, or certain infections.

What are some of the signs of mental retardation?

Usually, the more severe the degree of mental retardation, the earlier the signs can be noticed. However, it might still be hard to tell how young children will be affected later in life.

There are many signs of mental retardation. For example, children with mental retardation may:

• sit up, crawl, or walk later than other children
• learn to talk later, or have trouble speaking
• find it hard to remember things
• have trouble understanding social rules
• have trouble seeing the results of their actions
• have trouble solving problems

What can I do if I think my child may have mental retardation?

You are doing the right thing now – talking with your child’s doctor or nurse. If you or your doctor think there could be a problem, you can take your child to see a developmental pediatrician or other specialist, and you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older). To find out who to speak to in your area, you can contact the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities by logging on to www.nichcy.org/states.htm. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has links to information for families (www.cdc.gov/ncbddd).

To help your child reach his or her full potential, it is very important to get help for him or her as early as possible!

What is vision loss?

Vision loss means that a person’s eyesight cannot be corrected to a “normal” level, making it hard or impossible to do daily tasks without eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other assistance. Vision loss can vary greatly among children and can be caused by many things.

What causes loss of vision?

Vision loss can be caused by damage to the eye itself, by the eye being shaped incorrectly, or even by a problem in the brain. Babies can be born unable to see, and vision loss can occur anytime during a person’s life.

When should my child be checked?

Your child should be checked for vision problems by an eye doctor (an ophthalmologist), pediatrician, or other trained specialist at:

• newborn to 3 months
• 6 months to 1 year
• about 3 years
• about 5 years

Having your child’s vision checked is especially important if someone in your family has had vision problems.

What are some of the signs of vision loss?

A child with vision loss might:

• close or cover one eye
• squint the eyes or frown
• complain that things are blurry or hard to see
• have trouble reading or doing other close-up work, or hold objects close to eyes in order to see
• blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work (such as looking at books)

One eye of a child with vision loss could look out or cross. One or both eyes could be watery, and one or both of the child’s eyelids could also look red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen.

What can I do if I think my child may have vision loss?

You are doing the right thing now – talking with your child’s doctor or nurse. If you or your doctor think there could be a problem, you can take your child to see a pediatric eye doctor (ophthalmologist) or other specialist, and you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older). To find out who to speak to in your area, you can contact the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities by logging on to www.nichcy.org/states.htm. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information about vision loss (www.cdc.gov/ncbddd).

Treating vision problems early may protect your child’s sight, and teaching children with severe vision loss how to function as early as possible can help them reach their full potential.

What is hearing loss in children?

Hearing loss can vary greatly among children and can be caused by many things. In the United States, 1 to 3 children per 1,000 are born with hearing loss each year. Most children also experience mild, temporary hearing loss when fluid gets in the middle ear from allergies or colds. Sometimes as a result of an ear infection, fluid stays in the middle ears, which can sometimes cause hearing loss and delays in your child’s speech. Some children have permanent hearing loss. This can be from mild (they don’t hear as well as you do) to complete (where they can’t hear anything at all).

What are some of the signs of hearing loss?

The signs and symptoms of hearing loss are different for different children. If you see any of these signs call your child’s doctor or nurse:

• does not turn to the source of a sound from birth to 3 or 4 months of age
• does not say single words, such as “dada” or “mama” by 1 year of age
• turns head when he or she sees you but not if you only call out his or her name: this usually is mistaken for not paying attention or just ignoring, but could be the result of a partial or complete hearing loss
• hears some sounds but not others

What causes hearing loss? Can it be prevented?

Hearing loss can happen any time during life – from before birth to adulthood. Babies who are born early, who have low birth weight, or who are exposed to infections in the womb might have hearing loss, but this can happen to full-term, normal weight babies as well. Genetic factors are the cause of hearing loss in about 50% of babies – some of these babies might have family members who are deaf. Illnesses, injuries, certain medicines, and loud noise levels can cause children and adults to lose hearing.

Some causes of hearing loss can be prevented. For example, vaccines can prevent certain infections, such as measles or meningitis (an infection of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord), which can cause hearing loss. Another cause that can be prevented is a kind of brain damage called kernicterus, which is caused by bad jaundice. This can be prevented by using special lights (phototherapy) or other therapies to treat babies with jaundice before they go home from the hospital.

1-800-CDC-INFO www.cdc.gov/actearly

1-800-CDC-INFO www.cdc.gov/actearly