Our Services / Developmental Disorders

What are developmental disorders?

Developmental disorders, also called developmental disabilities, refer to conditions that are present at birth and have noticeable symptoms during childhood. Most developmental disorders are diagnosed in childhood, but they must be diagnosed before the age of 22.

By definition, developmental disorders persist throughout a child’s lifetime. They may affect your child’s physical, mental, behavioral, language, and emotional development.

Everyone with a developmental disability improves with early and consistent therapy. However, each person is unique, and developmental disabilities cover a wide spectrum of abilities. Some may need ongoing support but hold down a job and get married. Others celebrate success by learning basic living skills. 

What are the different types of developmental disorders?

A few examples of the most common developmental disabilities include:

• Attentional-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Down syndrome
• Fragile X syndrome
• Prader-Willi syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
• Hearing loss
• Intellectual disability
• Vision impairment

Developmental delays may signal an underlying developmental disorder, but a delay doesn’t always mean your child has a long-lasting disability.

When your child has a developmental delay, it means they didn’t meet one or more developmental milestones. For example, they may not speak or walk within the expected time frame. 

In most cases, therapy or specialized education and training helps children overcome their delay and bring their skills up to par with their peers. 

How are developmental disabilities treated?

The team at High Desert Psychological Services begins by completing a thorough psychological evaluation. Some children have more than one developmental disorder, or they may also have a co-existing mental health disorder such as anxiety and depression.

Before creating a treatment plan, your therapist first identifies all of your child’s challenges and establishes a diagnosis. Then they identify your child’s strengths, create goals, and develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Through different therapeutic approaches, children can gain social, language, and communication skills and learn how to manage behaviors and regulate emotions. Therapy at High Desert Psychological Services always builds on your child’s strengths, giving them the opportunity to achieve success

Children make great strides through customized therapy. To schedule an appointment, call High Desert Psychological Services or use the online booking feature today.