Developmental disabilities are those conditions that include a weakening in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. Such conditions, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, fetal alcohol syndrome, learning disability and hearing and vision loss begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime. Most developmental disabilities are thought to be caused by a complex mix of factors. These factors include genetics, parental health during pregnancy, complications during birth, and exposure of the mother or child to environmental toxins.
Developmental disabilities intersect all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Recent estimates in the United States indicate that approximately 17% of children and youth aged 3 through 17 years have one or more developmental disabilities (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention). In Canada, approximately 5% of the population 15 years and older indicate they have a developmental disability or disorder. Worldwide estimates suggest that there are 52.9 million children younger than 5 that have developmental disabilities.
Results of a recent survey in Canada have highlighted how developmental disabilities influences all aspects of an individual’s daily life. For example, 43% of individuals with developmental disability report having completed less than high school compared to 12% of those without disability. Unfortunately, only 17% of individuals with developmental disability describe their mental health as “excellent” or “very good” compared to 70% of the household population. Such findings are not unique to Canada.
This Research Topic will focus broadly on all aspects of understanding developmental disability from a multitude of disciplines and views, with a focus on physical and mental health and functioning in children, youth and young adults.
Developmental disabilities are those conditions that include a weakening in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. Such conditions, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, fetal alcohol syndrome, learning disability and hearing and vision loss begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime. Most developmental disabilities are thought to be caused by a complex mix of factors. These factors include genetics, parental health during pregnancy, complications during birth, and exposure of the mother or child to environmental toxins.
Developmental disabilities intersect all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Recent estimates in the United States indicate that approximately 17% of children and youth aged 3 through 17 years have one or more developmental disabilities (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention). In Canada, approximately 5% of the population 15 years and older indicate they have a developmental disability or disorder. Worldwide estimates suggest that there are 52.9 million children younger than 5 that have developmental disabilities.
Results of a recent survey in Canada have highlighted how developmental disabilities influences all aspects of an individual’s daily life. For example, 43% of individuals with developmental disability report having completed less than high school compared to 12% of those without disability. Unfortunately, only 17% of individuals with developmental disability describe their mental health as “excellent” or “very good” compared to 70% of the household population. Such findings are not unique to Canada.
This Research Topic will focus broadly on all aspects of understanding developmental disability from a multitude of disciplines and views, with a focus on physical and mental health and functioning in children, youth and young adults.