Developmental Conditions

What is a developmental condition? 

Developmental conditions are a group of mental health conditions that may impact children. These types of disorders affect a child's ability to develop strong skills in language, communication, socialization, and coordination. 

The most common developmental conditions include:

• Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Expressive communication disorders
• Tourette's syndrome
• Hearing or visual impairments
  
  

Children at higher risk for developmental conditions include those whose mothers used drugs during pregnancy, who experienced a traumatic birth, or who were born prematurely. In some cases, developmental disorders are present at birth or are genetic. Often, there is no identifiable cause for a child's developmental difficulties. 

What are learning disorders? 

Learning disabilities are a type of developmental condition that affects your child's ability to concentrate, pay attention, and develop language skills. They also cause difficulty with visual and auditory information processing. 

The most common learning disorder is dyslexia, characterized by difficulty learning to read or process letters or words. Other learning disabilities include:

• Dyscalculia, problem processing numbers 
• Dysgraphia, struggle with writing
• Information processing deficiency 
  
  

ADHD also affects a child's ability to learn effectively, as it may hinder their ability to concentrate and focus. With proper support, a child can learn to adapt to their limitations and develop skills that enable them to function well at home and school. 

What are the treatment options for developmental conditions? 

The team at AAA Pediatrics offers comprehensive care for developmental conditions of all kinds. Your pediatrician provides assessment, diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan. 

Your provider works with you, your child, and their school to develop a treatment plan that may include:

• Medications
• Behavioral therapy
• Behavioral modifications 
• Lifestyle changes
• Educational services, such as tutoring or special education
  
  

If your child is showing signs of a developmental condition or learning disability, it's essential that you have a trusted pediatrician to whom you can turn who can answer questions, provide support, and work with for an effective treatment plan. The team at AAA Pediatrics commits to working closely with you every step of the way. 

For a consultation and assessment of your child's developmental condition, call or schedule an appointment online with AAA Pediatrics today.