Is Developmental Delay a Disability?

As a parent, it’s highly encouraged to monitor your child’s development as they age. No child is the same, but monitoring your child can help you determine if your child’s developmental milestones have been reached at an expected age.

If your child has a developmental delay, is it considered a disability? Understanding these delays can help you decide if early intervention therapies are needed.

What Is a Developmental Delay?

Developmental delay happens in early childhood, when young children do not hit developmental milestones at an expected age. This can include crawling, walking, talking, and other early childhood skills.

There are several types of developmental delay:

• Motor skills: Difficulty sitting, crawling, walking, picking up and holding objects, and using hands.
  
• Speech: Difficulty recognizing words and phonics, babbling, trouble with pronunciation, and communicating with words.
  
• Cognitive skills: Difficulty processing information, problem-solving, and memorization. These usually become apparent after a child starts school.
  
• Social interaction: Difficulty understanding social cues and emotions, carrying on conversations, and playing with other kids.

Developmental delays in children are usually identified through consistent monitoring and milestone checklists. If you are concerned that your child might be developmentally behind, consult a pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis.

Is Developmental Delay Considered a Disability?

In the United States, developmental delay is legally recognized as a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

This umbrella definition allows children to access early intervention services and therapies without having to present a specific diagnosis, such as Cerebral Palsy or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

In Arizona, children with developmental delays can qualify for special education if they are between the ages of 3 and 9 and experience developmental delays in at least one of these areas:

• Physical development
• Cognitive development
• Communication development
• Social or emotional development
• Adaptive development

Usually, a child must show a 50% delay in one area, or a 25% delay in two or more areas. Multiple developmental delays are also known as global developmental delays and are highly eligible for most special education programs.

Developmental Delay vs Developmental Disability

While these terms are often confused due to their similarity, they define clear developmental differences that require specialized support. It’s important to know this difference.

• Developmental Delay: A temporary delay in hitting developmental milestones compared to children of the same age. These delays are usually treated through therapies that allow children to “catch up” to their peers.
  
• Developmental Disability: A chronic impairment that lasts throughout a child’s life, beginning in early childhood and affecting learning, behavior, or motor functions. Therapies can help children manage their disability.

Developmental disabilities include Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Cerebral Palsy.

When Developmental Delay Qualifies for Special Education Services

Because developmental delay is legally recognized as a disability in the United States, many children have access to special education services. Depending on the type of developmental delay, your child may qualify for different programs that aid in education and skill development.

• Early Intervention programs (birth–3): Eligibility for Early Intervention (EI) programs is usually determined by medical records or a free evaluation for developmental delays. If your child shows evidence of developmental delay or has a diagnosed condition that causes developmental delays, they are eligible for these EI services.
  
• School-based eligibility: Many schools offer special education services for children ages 3 to 9 with developmental delays. However, a medical diagnosis alone may not be sufficient for eligibility, depending on the school. The school district will usually conduct its own evaluation to assess a child’s need for school-based special education.
  
• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): These are personalized education plans that children can qualify for through their local public school district. If your child has any type of diagnosed developmental delay listed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), they can qualify for an IEP. However, you will need to meet with a representative of the school district, a school psychologist, and a special education teacher to determine the best individualized plan for your child.

Common Conditions That May Begin as Developmental Delays

Sometimes, developmental delays go away with early intervention programs and therapies. Other times, they are a result of a chronic medical condition that can be managed, but not cured, through therapies and services.

These conditions include:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome
• ADHD
• Cerebral Palsy
• Learning disabilities

When the child is very young, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate temporary delays from permanent conditions. Consulting a pediatrician is the best way to get a correct diagnosis.

Early warning signs include:

• Failure to sit up at 9 months or walk by 18 months
• Limited or complete lack of speech by 15-18 months
• Lack of social and emotional skills, such as smiling and holding eye contact

If you notice that your child has started to regress in any of these areas, at any age, you should contact a pediatrician immediately.

Support Services for Children With Developmental Delays

For children with developmental delays, there is a range of support services that they are legally eligible for. Most will require a professional diagnosis, so consult a pediatrician first.

Support services include:

• Behavioral therapy
• Speech and occupational therapy
• Adaptive skills training
• Early Intervention (EI) services (birth-3)

Most states offer parent support programs that educate and equip parents with the knowledge and tools to help their child at home, advocate in schools, and navigate healthcare options.

How Early Intervention Improves Long-Term Outcomes

Developmental delays affect a child long-term if not addressed early on. When delays are detected and diagnosed early, it allows for Early Intervention (EI) programs to help the child work around their delays and hit developmental milestones.

During the first few years of life, the brain’s neuroplasticity is at its highest. Because of this adaptability, early intervention services are able to create strong neural pathways that reduce the need for special education in the future.

Numerous studies have shown that long-term early intervention greatly improves a child’s motor skills, cognitive function, and mental health. Children with developmental delays can still live independently in adulthood with the help of early intervention.

How Roman Empire Agency Helps Individuals With Developmental Delays

Early intervention is crucial for children with developmental delays. At Roman Empire Agency, we work with children as young as 1.5 years and develop personalized therapy plans to help them grow and live independently.

Our expert therapists use evidence-based methods to improve communication, social, and motor skills in children with developmental delays. Contact us today to learn more about our ABA therapies and how they can help your child.