Celebrate National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

This March, you can honor National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by taking active steps to understand, raise awareness, and support those affected by disabilities. Here, you’ll learn about the difficulties faced by this often-underrepresented population and discover ways to make a positive impact. Those living with disabilities and their caretakers may benefit from mental health support provided by in-person or online therapy sessions.

Why National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is in March

On February 26, 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation that recognized March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. At this time, the campaign was started to celebrate the accomplishments of Americans with disabilities, create more inclusive communities, and address barriers to education, healthcare, and employment. 

Legislation and impact

The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 is often considered a significant complement to the establishment of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This landmark piece of legislation codified the rights of people with disabilities into law, helping to ensure they received the accommodations and support needed to participate fully in society.

What are developmental disabilities?

Developmental disabilities are chronic mental or physical impairments that affect people across their lifespan.

Definition and developmental period

Developmental disabilities can encompass a wide range of conditions that usually result in delays or impairments in key areas, such as learning, language development, and motor skills. Behavior areas can also be affected, leading to challenges in self-control and interaction with others. The developmental period for these disabilities is usually before the age of 22.

Developmental delays and lifelong impact

Within the first few years of a child's life, pediatricians can perform screening checks to identify various developmental conditions. These conditions typically arise before birth and are often caused by genetic abnormalities, prenatal exposure to certain substances, or complications during birth or early childhood. However, they can also be the result of injury or infection. 

Common cognitive impairments include intellectual disabilities, referring broadly to certain limitations in cognitive functioning, including communication, social, and life skills. Developmental disabilities are usually lifelong and can be limited to one area or affect multiple domains. For those seeking support, whether in enhancing communication or general life skills, online therapy may help. 

Who developmental disabilities affect

Developmental disabilities currently affect children and adults of all ages, socioeconomic, and racial groups across the country and the world. While these conditions are identified at an early age, they affect people into later life, impacting their relationships, ability to learn, and overall health. 

Prevalence across the country and world  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 6 Americans has one or more developmental disabilities. Since these conditions are usually lifelong, this constitutes around 13% of the population. 

Types of developmental disabilities

There are various types of developmental disabilities, each occurring during childhood and affecting individuals during the course of their lifetime. 

Fragile X syndrome

This genetic condition can cause intellectual disability, behavioral and learning challenges, and certain physical characteristics. FXS is estimated to occur in 1 in 7,000 males and 1 in 11,000 females.

Fetal alcohol syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) can result from alcohol exposure during the mother's pregnancy, causing a range of effects, including intellectual disabilities.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

ASD can be defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder usually characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. The severity and symptoms can vary widely among individuals.

Down syndrome

Down syndrome is usually defined as a genetic disorder caused by the presence of part or all of a third copy of chromosome 21. It is often associated with physical growth delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and characteristic facial features.

Epilepsy

This neurological condition can be characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy frequently co-occurs with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Cerebral palsy

This group of disorders can affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP tends to be the most common motor disability in childhood.

Tourette syndrome

This neurological disorder is frequently characterized by repetitive, involuntary vocalizations or movements (tics). 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

ADHD can be defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. ADHD can interfere with learning, social skills, and executive functioning.

The importance of dignity and full potential

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to challenge barriers, promote dignity, celebrate achievements, and help people with disabilities achieve their full potential. This month highlights practical ways individuals and communities can create a more inclusive society,

Ways to promote dignity and opportunity

• Increase awareness in schools, workplaces, and communities through education programs.
• Support inclusive architecture and design spaces, such as wheelchair ramps in schools and homes. 
• Create equal, new opportunities in social participation and employment, such as inclusive social events and adaptive sports clubs, which enhance cognitive function and overall health.

When given the opportunity to work, make an income, socialize, and engage in the community, people with disabilities can lead productive lives. From artists to aristocrats, members of the community can do their part to promote inclusive societies. 

Developmental disabilities and inclusion in diverse communities

People in diverse communities can make small, consistent efforts to improve the lived experience for people with disabilities by: 

• Listening to lived experiences to develop understanding, compassion, and respect for others.
• Challenging your own assumptions and stereotypes.
• Using inclusive language that acknowledges the person before the disability.
• Making a commitment to be inclusive in everyday actions, such as choosing activities that everyone can enjoy.

Laws, advocacy, and national support 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was established in 1990 to protect and support those living with disabilities. By implementing certain laws, the ADA aims to prevent discrimination in employment, government services, accommodation and transportation, building standards, and other aspects of everyday life. 

Ongoing advocacy and policy efforts

Various campaigns and policy efforts are aiming to create a more inclusive society and expand opportunities for people with disabilities. Campaigns such as the Disability Stories Project share personal stories to enhance understanding and acceptance, while the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is trying to eliminate subminimum wages. 

Stories, encouragement, and celebration

Promoting and celebrating stories can inspire future generations of people with disabilities to live to their fullest potential. For this reason, the Paralympic Games (or Paralympics) was were created to celebrate and honor athletes with disabilities. Other initiatives and awareness campaigns also provide encouragement and celebrate excellent work.

Personal stories of achievement

• Simone Biles has won multiple Olympic gold medals in gymnastics while managing ADHD.
• Susan Boyle is a globally recognized opera singer with Asperger’s syndrome.
• Steven Spielberg, who was diagnosed with dyslexia later in life, is famous for producing movies such Jaws, Jurassic Park, and Catch Me If You Can. 
• Greta Thunberg is an environmental activist with Autism who has inspired millions to address climate change.

How mental health support fits into developmental disability awareness

For individuals and families managing the everyday challenges that accompany a developmental disability, mental health care can be a vital aspect of well-being and quality of life. Mental health sessions are often focused on building concrete skills that can assist individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers, such as emotion regulation, anger management, stress reduction, caregiver training, and daily living skills.

Therapy support for individuals and families

If you have a developmental disability or are caring for someone who does, it may be worth exploring the possibility of online therapy. There are different forms of therapy available, including:

• Speech-language therapy for verbal and social language skill development.
• Physical therapy to improve motor skills, balance, and co-ordination.
• Creative therapies for enjoyment, creativity, and engagement.
• Behavioral therapy to focus on emotion regulation and coping with daily life. 

Getting support through BetterHelp

If you have a developmental disability or are caring for someone else with one, it may be worth exploring online therapy options. Sessions can be used to enhance your mental health and learn coping strategies to navigate daily life.

Online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy and may be preferable for families already overburdened with appointments. Research suggests that the same client outcomes tend to result from both in-person and online therapy interventions. 

How BetterHelp works for individuals and families 

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can offer flexible and convenient therapy via video chat, phone call, or in-app messaging, eliminating the need to travel to and from appointments. The ability to attend therapy sessions with a licensed professional from the comfort of one’s home can empower individuals and their families to take control of their mental health. It can also assist caregivers who need hands-on support while at home.