12 Developmental Disablities articles

Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last throughout a person's lifetime.

 

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy describes a group of chronic conditions that adversely affect muscle coordination and bodily movements. These conditions are not caused by problems with muscles or nerves themselves, but rather a disability to portions of…
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Cri Du Chat Syndrome

Cri du chat syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is named for the characteristic cat-like sound that affected children make when they cry. Cri du chat is a French term meaning 'call of the…
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Down syndrome

Also referred to as Trisomy 21, Down Syndrome is a genetic condition in which there is the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. Causing lifelong developmental issues and mental retardation, Down…
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Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes chronic seizures. Abnormal electrical impulses in the brain can lead to symptoms at various stages of life, and there is no cure. Some forms of treatment can help…
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Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders include several classifications of permanent birth defects caused by a mother's consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome is just one of many conditions included within the spectrum, which also…
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Fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome, sometimes referred to as Martin-Bell syndrome, includes a spectrum of disabilities, including emotional, physical, intellectual and behavioral symptoms. This syndrome involves a mutation of the X chromosome which causes abnormal neural developement.

Symptoms…
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Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus, often referred to as 'water on the brain', is a buildup of fluids inside the skull that leads to swelling. Cerebrospinal fluid accumulates abnormally in the brain's ventricles, or cavities, causing intracranial pressure. This…
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Klinefelters syndrome

One of the most common genetic conditions affecting males, Klinefelter's syndrome is a genetic disorder in which males are born with an extra X chromosome. Individuals with Klinefelter's are often referred to as "XXY Males."…
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Microcephaly

Microcephaly is is a condition that causes the head circumference to be much smaller than average size. This is due to a limitation of growth or development of the brain, and the condition may either…
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Prader-Willi Syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that occurs when part of an important chromosome is deleted at conception, leading to abnormal physical features, possible behavioral issues and mild mental retardation. This disorder can effect…
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Sotos syndrome

Sotos syndrome, sometimes called cerebral gigantism, is a genetic condition that causes a child to grow larger and more quickly than is expected for age. Most notably, the head is often disproportionately large and long,…
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Williams syndrome

William's syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes problems with neurodevelopment. Anyone can be born with this disorder and while it doesn't hinder friendliness and social interaction, it does include some physical side effects that…
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