Developmental delays can manifest in many ways depending on the underlying condition.
In this blog on developmental delays in adults, we’ll look at the following:
- Can Adults Be Diagnosed With Developmental Disability?
- What Is Developmental Delay In Adults?
- What Causes Developmental Delays In Adults
- How Do You Know If An Adult Is Developmentally Delayed?
- What Are The Five Developmental Milestones?
- How Does Developmental Delay Affect Adulthood?
- Treatments for Developmental Delays in Adults
Can Adults Be Diagnosed With Developmental Disability?
Yes, developmental disabilities can be diagnosed as young as two years old all the way into adulthood. Being diagnosed in adulthood can lead to delays in development that were never addressed as a child and require more intensive treatment. To receive a diagnosis in adulthood, you undergo a clinical assessment alongside a psychological test that looks at adaptive behavior skills and cognitive functioning.
What Is Developmental Delay In Adults?
Like in childhood, adults with developmental disabilities may have delays in certain areas, such as social skills, learning, and cognitive development. At this point in life, there are certain milestones that a neurotypical individual is expected to meet. Not meeting these milestones can be a strong indicator of a developmental disability.
What Causes Developmental Delays In Adults
Developmental delays derive from different disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability. While a person may not receive a diagnosis for their disability until later in life, these conditions don’t start in adulthood. Developmental disabilities begin in infancy and childhood extending into adulthood. When delayed milestones are not addressed in childhood, they can continue to be an ongoing problem into adulthood, leading to developmental delays that significantly impact daily life.
How Do You Know If An Adult Is Developmentally Delayed?
Professionals place developmental delays into several identifiable categories, including gross motor, fine motor, language, cognitive, and social – we’ll look at these more below. Individuals or those around them may notice signs of delays in one or more of these areas, which can prompt a diagnosis.
Some common signs of developmental delays in adults include:
- Delayed speech or non-speaking
- Difficulty reading, writing, or communicating
- Poor eye contact
- Limited facial expressions
- Social awkwardness
- Stimming
- Challenges with stimuli (noises, textures, smells)
- Not understanding social cues, sarcasm, or figurative language
- Difficulty recalling information
- Inability to perform routine tasks and self-care
- Inability to effectively problem-solve
If you or a loved one experiences some or most of these indicators, it’s best to contact your healthcare provider for the next steps on receiving a diagnosis. If there is an existing developmental condition, being aware of it allows you to begin proper treatments to enhance your quality of life.
What Are The Five Developmental Milestones?
The five developmental milestones are used to evaluate a person’s growth and development. When these milestones are not met at the expected time, this is considered a developmental delay, which may suggest the existence of a pre-existing condition. We’ve broken down each of the five developmental milestones below with a list of skills that fall under each.
Gross Motor Skills (Large muscle movements in the body)
- Crawling
- Walking
- Jumping
- Running
- Climbing
- Throwing
- Catching
Fine Motor Skills (Small muscle movements in the body)
- Writing, drawing, coloring
- Clapping
- Waving
- Brushing teeth
- Holding utensils
- Tying shoes
- Cutting with scissors
Language Skills
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Listening
- Comprehension
Cognitive Skills
- Paying attention/focusing
- Processing information
- Logical reasoning
- Planning
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Quantitative skills
Social Skills
- Empathy
- Active listening
- Maintaining eye contact
- Non-verbal communication
- Collaboration
- Relationship management
- Conflict resolution
Every day, we utilize skills from these five developmental milestones. When one of these areas is being hindered, it affects the others. Because of this, it’s crucial that each development area is appropriately nurtured and delays are addressed.
How Does Developmental Delay Affect Adulthood?
Having barriers in your development can significantly impact your ability to live independently, maintain relationships, and find and hold a job as an adult. To achieve the highest quality of life, you need to be able to use each of these skill areas effectively. Significant deficiencies in one or more areas of development can lead to barriers in your personal and professional life.
Treatments for Developmental Delays in Adults
At Roman Empire Agency, we offer a surplus of treatments that aid in skill development. We believe that every adult with disabilities deserves support and to live as independently as possible. Our treatments include Adaptive Skills Training (AST), Independent Living Skills Training (ILS), Supported Living Services (SLS), Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), and more.
Each targets developmental skills that are key to an autonomous, fulfilling life. We focus on personal, professional, and academic skills that don’t always come naturally to neurodivergent people. Please contact us today to learn more about how we can create an individualized plan for you or your loved one.
