Little girl with Down Syndrome

Signs of Developmental Disabilities

Previously, we've written about what developmental disabilities are, as well as some of the more common developmental disabilities. Here, we'll cover the most common symptoms of developmental disabilities

  • Delayed developmental milestones, such as sitting, crawling, walking, or talking later than most children.
  • Difficulty understanding or following rules of social behavior.
  • Difficulty solving problems or learning new skills.
  • Difficulty anticipating the consequences of actions.
  • Avoiding eye contact (in particular, this is recognized as one of the early signs of autism and Fragile X syndrome).
  • Tics, such as sudden, brief movements or sounds (one of the signs of Tourette syndrome).
  • Difficulty sitting still, constant fidgeting, being easily distracted, and talking excessively (these are all early signs of ADHD).

What To Do If You Think Your Child Has an Intellectual or Developmental Disability

When it comes to developmental disabilities, knowledge is power. If your child displays indications of delayed development or abnormal behavior, knowing the signs of developmental disabilities will empower you to seek testing and a diagnosis, if needed, and start working toward solutions for your child as soon as possible. Talk to your child's doctor about your observations and concerns. If necessary, ask for a referral to a specialist for screening and potential treatment. 

Confronting the possibility that your child might have an intellectual or developmental disability can be difficult, and parents commonly experience resistance, anxiety, denial, or fear. However, early diagnosis and intervention can make a huge difference in outcomes for your child. So when in doubt, it's always better to address the issue sooner rather than later.


Envision Unlimited is dedicated to helping people with disabilities reach their highest potential. We have fulfilled that mission since 1948. Our offerings, which include day programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; mental health, residential, and employment services; specialized foster care; and accredited applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for children, are designed to address the unique needs of each of our clients—regardless of age, background, or ability. 

Our services are grounded in a spirit of advocacy and empowerment. We believe that all individuals are capable of living successful lives if given the right opportunities. Contact us today to see how we can help you!