Every March, we recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month—but for many families, it’s more than a calendar event. It’s daily life. It’s the challenges, the care, the progress, and the love that go into raising a child with a developmental disability.
The 2025 theme is “We’re Here All Year”—because children with developmental disabilities don’t just need support one month a year. They need communities that understand, families that feel supported, and programs that meet their needs at every stage of life.
At LAHC, we walk beside families from pregnancy through childhood, offering resources that make a real difference.
What are developmental disabilities?
Developmental disabilities or disorders are conditions that affect how a child grows, learns, speaks, or behaves. These disabilities usually begin during pregnancy or early childhood, and they can affect a child for the rest of their adult life.
Some children with developmental disabilities may take longer to walk, talk, or understand language. Others might struggle with movement, attention, or making friends. These challenges can be mild or more serious, and every child is different.
These conditions are not caused by anything the child did—and often, they are not anyone’s fault. But early help can make a big difference.
How common are developmental disorders in children?
In the United States, about 1 in 6 children between the ages of 3 and 17 has at least one developmental disability. That means millions of families are affected.
These conditions can impact a child’s daily life—from how they learn in school to how they play with others or manage everyday tasks.
Some developmental disabilities are more common than others. The most common include:
- ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
- Cerebral palsy
- Hearing loss
- Intellectual disability
- Speech and language disorders
- Learning disabilities
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
What causes developmental disorders?
There is no single cause of developmental disorders in children. In many cases, they are the result of a mix of factors that happen before, during, or shortly after birth.
Some of the known causes and risk factors include:
- Genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome or fragile X syndrome
- Infections during pregnancy, like rubella or CMV (cytomegalovirus)
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Birth complications, including lack of oxygen during delivery
- Exposure to alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy
- Environmental toxins, such as lead
- Untreated newborn conditions, like jaundice (which can lead to brain damage if not treated early)
How developmental disorders affect children and youth
Children with developmental disabilities often need extra help to reach the same milestones as their peers.
Without the right support, these challenges can follow them into their teen years and adulthood. But with early help, many children can grow into independent, confident young adults.
This can affect many parts of their lives, including:
- School – Some children may struggle to keep up with classwork or need special education services.
- Communication – They may have trouble expressing their needs or understanding others.
- Social life – Making friends and joining activities can be more difficult.
- Daily routines – Tasks like getting dressed, eating, or brushing teeth may take longer to learn.
What can expectant mothers do to reduce the risk?
While not all developmental disabilities can be prevented, expectant mothers can take important steps to lower the risk.
These steps don’t guarantee a child will be born without a disability, but they do lower the risk and help support a healthy pregnancy:
- Get regular prenatal care – Seeing a doctor during pregnancy helps catch problems early.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs – These substances can seriously harm a baby’s brain and body.
- Take prenatal vitamins – Especially folic acid, which helps prevent brain and spine problems.
- Stay up to date on vaccines – Some infections during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.
- Avoid exposure to toxic substances – Including lead, mercury, and certain cleaning products.
- Manage health conditions – Like diabetes or high blood pressure, which can affect the baby’s development.
How LAHC supports families—from pregnancy to youth
At LAHC, we understand that raising a child with a developmental disability can bring a lot of questions, emotions, and unknowns.
Here’s how our family and social programs can help—offering real support for real moments, at every stage of your child’s life:
For expectant and new mothers:
Our Healthy Living Programs for Families offer nutrition education, parenting support, and resources to help mothers stay healthy during and after pregnancy.
We also help families understand how to reduce risks and care for their newborns in the first months of life.
Mom Care Connect is another way we support expectant mothers by connecting them with other pregnant and new moms.
This group allows the chance to connect with other mothers in the community and get expert answers for all your prenatal and postnatal questions. Our WhatsApp group updates members on new events and information.
For young children and youth:
Through Programs for Youth and Pathways – Beyond Horizons, we support developmental growth with early learning tools, life skills training, and social development activities.
Children learn how to communicate, make choices, build routines, and explore their independence in safe, welcoming spaces.
For families and caregivers:
We provide access to Behavioral Health Services like Blooming Minds, where youth can work on emotional wellness and social skills.
We also offer referrals, workshops, and guidance to help families advocate for their child’s needs—from early childhood through young adulthood.
For individuals with developmental disabilities:
Our Human Services team connects individuals with education, health, and support services customized to their unique needs—always with cultural understanding and respect.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: why it matters
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month reminds us that every child deserves a fair start and a full life. It’s not just about raising awareness—it’s about building stronger communities where children with disabilities are valued, included, and supported.
If you’re expecting a child, raising a child with a disability, or simply want to learn more—you are not alone. There are families just like yours, and there are organizations like LAHC that are here to help.
Get support from LAHC
LAHC is here for you—from pregnancy through childhood and beyond. Follow us on Facebook or call us at (313) 846-8480 to learn more about our family and youth programs.
- Pathways – Beyond Horizons Program
- Programs for Families
- Programs for Youth
- Blooming Minds – Mental Health Support
- Human Services
For those looking to support our mission and the people we serve, learn about how you can help through volunteering or donating.