Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disability is an umbrella term which includes a group of chronic conditions which result from mental and physical impairments. Children with a developmental disability have difficulties in certain areas of life, especially in the areas of:

• Language

• Play

• Mobility

• Learning

• Self-care

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While many developmental disabilities are identified soon after birth, others are detected in the child’s first, second or even third year of life. Developmental disability which impacts on all areas of a child’s development is often referred to as a global developmental delay.

The most common developmental disabilities include:

• Fragile X

• Down syndrome

• Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD)

• Fetal alcohol syndrome

• Cerebral Palsy (CP)

• Intellectual disability

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What do we do? How do we help?

• We will teach parents practical strategies to help your child learn language naturally through their everyday routines, interactions and experiences.

• We will help you:

  • Figure out what stage your child is at and how they communicate

  • Find ways to encourage interactions from your child to help facilitate communication development

  • Learn how to use routines to teach your child language and interactions

  • Adjust your interaction style to best build your child’s confidence and motivation to communicate

  • Use language to best help your child understand you and learn words

  • Use strategies which will improve the way you play with your child to help him learn language

  • Find and implement an effective alternative and augmentative communication system to aid your child’s ability to get their message across