Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime. Only when a baby or preschooler lags far behind, or fails altogether to reach the developmental milestones, or loses a previously acquired skill, is there reason to suspect a mental or physical problem serious enough to be considered a developmental disability. Intervening early and partnering with your health care team will help your child meet their maximum potential and their highest level of function and independence.  

Having a child diagnosed with a developmental disability can be overwhelming. Our care managers can help you connect with resources and support your child’s plan of care. Call us at 1-888-756-0004, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Common developmental disabilities include:

Intellectual disability (ID)

• Children and adults with ID may have difficulties with both intellectual functioning (communication, learning, problem-solving) and adaptive behavior (everyday social skills, routines, hygiene). These signs are usually noticed at home or at well-child visits with your child’s doctor. Getting help early is important to help your child reach their full potential.
• These difficulties can range from being mild to severe and will require different levels of support at home and school. Children and adults can receive support through multiple avenues as they continue to learn and grow. As a parent, working with health and school partners will help your child in meeting their full potential.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can affect a child's behavior and social and communications skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for ASD at their 18- and 24-month well-child checkups. Research shows that starting an intervention program as soon as possible can improve outcomes for many children on the autism spectrum.

Early signs of ASD

• Delay in or lack of joint attention. Joint attention is looking back and forth between an object or event and another person and connecting with that person. It is a building block for later social and communication skills.
• Delays in using and understanding gestures such as pointing.
• Language delays and communication difficulties.
• Almost all children with ASD show delays in nonverbal communication and spoken language. These can include use of labels, echoing and repeating, or unusual language later in life.

How is ASD diagnosed?

• If you have concerns that your child may be showing signs of ASD or any other behavioral or developmental disorder (based on the way he or she plays, learns, speaks, and acts) regardless of their age, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician to begin the screening process.  

Other resources:

• Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment program — Help prevent and treat childhood diseases and illnesses early. Learn about our EPSDT program for your children
• Any person diagnosed with developmental disability should also contact Louisiana Department of Health Office for Citizens with Developmental Disability to connect to further resources available in the state of Louisiana.
• Need help connecting with a health care provider? Use our convenient and easy provider search tool to help you locate the right health care provider in your area.
• Want to learn more about how you can support your child diagnosed with autism? Visit Autism Speaks.
• Evaluation for ABA therapy may also be a support option for younger children diagnosed with intellectual disability or autism. Check out our latest list of available ABA providers.