Every person living with a developmental disability experiences unique challenges and strengths. Developmental disabilities do not indicate a person’s worth or full potential. 

Finding the right type of therapy for developmental disabilities gives people of all ages the opportunity to develop life skills, foster social integration, process difficult emotions, manage behaviors, and learn how to achieve their highest potential, independence, and quality of life. 

At Handel Behavioral Health, our therapists trained in developmental disabilities offer comprehensive behavioral and emotional health services for people of all ages, from early childhood through adulthood. Our therapists will craft individualized treatment plans tailored to the client’s specific needs and attuned to the client’s strengths, weakness, environment, and relationships. 

We believe that each person’s developmental journey is a unique experience, filled with challenges, opportunities, discoveries, and growth. 

To start working with one of our developmental disability therapists online in Massachusetts or in-person from our Amherst, Wilbraham, West Springfield, Franklin, or Natick offices, contact us today at (413) 343-4357!

To learn more about developmental disabilities and therapy for developmental disabilities in Massachusetts, read on!

What are Developmental Disabilities?

Developmental disabilities or intellectual disabilities is the umbrella term that encompasses a spectrum of lifelong conditions that affect a person’s physical and/or mental functioning. 

The traits of a developmental disability are typically present at birth and may be identified early in childhood, although some developmental conditions are not present until after age three. 

In some cases, people with developmental disabilities will meet physical, emotional, and intellectual development milestones later than expected, and in other cases, typical developmental milestones are never met. 

“Developmental disabilities can be detected by looking at different milestones of when a child learns how to play, learn, speak, and move. While children develop at their own pace, the developmental milestones give a general idea of the changes to expect as the child gets older.” 

–Greg Handel, PhD Handel Behavioral Health

If your child displays limited abilities in how they speak, behave, learn, and move, don’t hesitate to talk to your provider about your concerns. Acting early can make a huge impact on your child’s health and wellbeing.

What are the 5 Most Common Developmental Disabilities?

1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate, socialize, and interact with others. ASD is diagnosed when an individual displays persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. 
2. Cerebral Palsy: a group of disorders that affects an individual’s movements and coordination. It’s caused by damage to the brain before, during, and after birth and is displayed by muscle weakness, spasticity, and challenges with balance and coordination. 
3. Down Syndrome: a genetic condition that occurs when an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 21. It’s characterized by cognitive delays, physical disabilities, and an increased risk of certain medical conditions. 
4. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): a group of conditions that occur when an individual is exposed to alcohol in the womb. It’s characterized by cognitive and behavioral challenges, and physical abnormalities. Types of FASD’s include Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS), Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND), and Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD). 
5. Intellectual Disabilities: people with intellectual disabilities often experience significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which may affect their ability to learn, communicate, and execute daily tasks.

What are the Typical Characteristics of Developmental Disabilities?

Characteristics of developmental disabilities vary, depending on the individual. 

However, developmental disabilities are identified when a parent or caregiver notices that their child does not reach developmental milestones in:

• Learning 
• Talking 
• Moving 
• Playing 

Parents with questions and concerns can be supported by their child’s pediatrician and our team of mental health professionals at HBH Therapy.

What Does Therapy and Treatment for Developmental Disabilities Involve?

Developmental disability therapies aim to help improve a person’s cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral skills. Often, developmental disabilities can be treated with a combination of:

• Individual and family therapy
• Medications
• Applied behavior analysis
• Skills training
• Speech therapy
• Physical therapy

Common types of therapy for developmental disabilities include:

1. Behavioral therapy addresses challenging behaviors and fosters positive behaviors through reinforcement, shaping, modeling, and other techniques. Therapists will work with clients to target maladaptive behaviors and implement strategies to modify these behaviors.
2. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify patterns of thought, beliefs, and attitudes that contribute to problematic emotional and behavioral responses. Therapists will work with clients to modify these patterns of thought and help clients develop behavioral coping strategies and activities that promote positive behaviors. 
3. Medications can play a vital role in therapy. Many people with developmental disabilities also struggle with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Medications can help people manage symptoms and improve overall functioning.  
4. Family Therapy helps provide a structure for family members to better understand their loved one’s developmental disability, and learn to support the person living with the disability. It’s crucial that family members are involved in the behavioral plan created between the therapist and person with the disability. 
5. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based approach to therapy commonly used for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA helps build positive behaviors and discourages unhealthy ones. It provides skills training to help the individual with the disability communicate effectively in social and professional settings.
6. Creative arts therapy is a type of therapy that can be particularly helpful for children with developmental disabilities, inviting them to express themselves nonverbally.
7. Skills training is any type of therapy that involves building new social skills, coping skills, and skills for participating in work or school.

Who Can Benefit From Therapy for Developmental Disabilities?

Therapy can be beneficial for anyone living with a developmental disability. 

Many people with developmental disabilities develop co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, or poor self-esteem as they experience higher levels of stress due to the differences in their ability levels, discrimination, and misperceptions.

Therapy offers people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to develop vital life skills which promote independence and autonomy. Therapy also helps people develop new coping strategies to manage cognitive and emotional challenges to navigate daily life with greater ease and confidence.

Start Working With a Therapist for Developmental Disabilities in Massachusetts Today:

Whether your child is facing developmental challenges or you’re an adult living with a developmental disability and navigating life transitions, relationships, self developmental concerns or other struggles, we are here to help.

Our therapists have the knowledge and experience to provide people with developmental disabilities the necessary support, resources, and skills to achieve a greater sense of wellbeing.

To start working with one of our developmental disability therapists online in Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, Wilbraham, West Springfield, Franklin, or Natick, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

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