National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March—National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: 5 Facts about Developmental Disabilities

There’s no better time to put the spotlight on the lives of kids who are confronted with developmental disabilities than on National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month this March. This month-long affair was proclaimed by the late President Ronald Reagan for the purpose of increasing the public’s awareness of developmental disabilities and to give recognition to those who are in the forefront of the campaign to ease the lives of persons with special needs.

Furthermore, the event seeks to underscore the fact that an individual with a disability can still live a successful and fulfilling life.

What Are Developmental Disabilities?

Developmental disabilities refer to a set of conditions that are caused by physical, learning, behavioral, and language impairments. These conditions have a huge impact on the child’s development and these can greatly affect their day-to-day activities. For instance, integrating themselves into society can be a challenge since not everyone is willing to recognize, acknowledge, understand, and respond to their needs.

Here are the 5 facts about developmental disabilities:

1. Some of the most common developmental disabilities include Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability, Tourette Syndrome, and Muscular Dystrophy.

2. Developmental disabilities are usually hereditary. However, there are also risk factors that can contribute to their development. These are:

• Maternal Infections during pregnancy
• Untreated or late treatment of jaundice after birth
• Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Premature birth

3. One of the most important considerations when it comes to children with suspected learning disabilities is whether or not they are meeting certain developmental milestones. Developmental milestones include the child’s first activities such as walking, smiling, and waving goodbye. Children have different paces when it comes to achieving developmental milestones. If your child is not meeting the milestones on the expected age range, consider having your child checked by a pediatrician.

4. Children with suspected developmental disabilities should be monitored carefully by their parents as well as health care professionals. Screenings are also available to test if the child is learning the basic skills or if they’re developing the skills later than normal.

5. The most important aspect of developmental disabilities is early detection and intervention. If you notice that your child is showing delays in development, it’s important to see the doctor as soon as possible so that certain strategies to effectively deal with the condition can be implemented. The sooner these delays are detected, the better for your child.

How to Put a Smile on Kids’ Faces

This March, let those children with developmental disabilities feel your love and support. Help them reach their dreams and encourage them to unleash their inner potential. Who knows, maybe they could become the greatest artists or scientists of their generation.

While we’re in the topic of helping children achieve their dreams, there are young boys and girls in every community who are dealing with developmental disabilities—and they need your help. One of the most meaningful ways you can do so without having to spend a single dime on anything is by donating any unwanted vehicle to Kids Car Donations. We will use the proceeds from the sale of your donated vehicle to support the critical programs of our charity partners that address the physical, emotional, and mental needs of these children.

Our IRS-certified 501(c)3 nonprofit partners provide their young beneficiaries with free medical treatment, free educational and social service resources, emotional well-being projects, and essential quality of life programs.

In return for your charitable contribution, you’ll be entitled to claim a top tax deduction with the 100% tax-deductible receipt you’ll get from us after your donated vehicle is sold at auction. You can also benefit from our free car removal services in all 50 states and our easy and convenient car donation process.

To more about who we are and how car donations work, visit our FAQs. For inquiries, you may call us at 866-634-8395 or send us a message online.

You can make your car donation by filling out our secure online donation form or calling us directly. We accept donations of almost all types of vehicles.

Be a Hero to Kids with Special Needs

You can find children with developmental disabilities and other challenging medical conditions in every community in the country—including yours. You can become their hero using just your old and unwanted vehicle. Call us at 866-634-8395 and help save and transform their lives with your car donation!