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Developmental
and behavioral issues in children are being reported in epidemic
numbers and those numbers are growing. One in six children are
diagnosed with a developmental or behavioral disorder. Still,
these disorders are poorly understood. The links below will lead
you to a brief overview of more than 20 developmental and
behavioral disorders, including autism.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates, approximately
17% of children in the United States have some form of a developmental disability1.
The CDC defines developmental disabilities as “a diverse group of physical,
cognitive, psychological, sensory, and speech impairments that begin anytime
during development up to 18 years of age.”2 As this definition indicates,
there is a wide range of what is included under the umbrella of “developmental
disabilities”: from mild developmental delays and disorders to more serious
developmental disorders such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and autism
spectrum disorders. Within each type of developmental disorder, or diagnostic
category, there are numerous sub-types, varying intensity of symptoms, and
most importantly, considerable individual variation.
For information about Autism Spectrum Disorders, please
click here.
For information about other Developmental and
Behavioral Disorders, please
click here.
1. Centers for Disease
Control - National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities.
2.
Center
for Disease Control - National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities: Mental Retardation Among Children.
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