Misconceptions, false assumptions, and misunderstandings about developmental disabilities often lead to stigma and barriers for individuals and families. This can keep people from receiving the support they need and living happy, fulfilling lives.
To build truly inclusive communities, we need to understand the experiences of people living with disabilities and separate myth from truth. As we recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, let’s take a moment to address some of the common misconceptions that still exist.
Myth: People living with developmental disabilities have limited learning potential and low IQs.
Developmental disabilities can affect how a person moves, processes information, or their pace of learning. However, many people living with developmental disabilities have above-average intelligence or have unique talents or strengths. In many cases, individuals live independently, pursue careers, and become very successful.
Myth: People living with developmental disabilities aren’t capable of having intimate relationships.
Like anyone else, people with developmental disabilities can form meaningful emotional and physical relationships. Many build long-term partnerships, get married, and have families. Communication may look different at times, but the connections they build are meaningful and lasting.
Myth: Developmental disabilities are the parents’ fault.
Developmental disabilities are caused by differences in brain development that can be tied to genetics, pregnancy complications, and environmental causes. Sometimes the cause is unknown. Pointing fingers at parents can lead to misunderstandings that make relationships more difficult.
Myth: It’s easy to spot a person living with a developmental disability.
Many developmental disabilities have no visible physical characteristics and aren’t obvious to others, even though the condition is having an impact on an individual’s quality of life. Also, developmental disabilities exist on a spectrum. Two people living with the same disability can lead two very different lives. One person could have serious challenges and need ongoing support, while another could live independently with minimal assistance.
Myth: Developmental disabilities and mental illness are basically the same.
A developmental disability is a neurological or physical condition that begins early in life and typically lasts an individual’s entire life. Common examples are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disabilities.
A mental health disorder is a condition that affect’s a person’s behavior, emotions, and thinking in a way that makes one or more aspects of their life more challenging. Anyone at any age can have a mental illness, which can often be treated and overcome with therapy or medication. Common examples are anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
While someone may experience both (co-occuring disorder), developmental disabilities and mental health disorders are different conditions.
If your loved one needs support with a developmental disability, Oaks Integrated Care is here for you, with a full continuum of services for children and adults. To learn more, call 1-800-963-3377.
