Your child may have a developmental disability...From signs by age and where to consult to diagnosis, a support guide for parents.

2025 6/27

June 24, 2025 June 27, 2025

"My child is a little hard to raise...?"
'I feel like there's something different about you compared to the other kids, is it my imagination?'

Do you have such anxiety and confusion?
Developmental disabilities are,Difficult to see visually and easily overlap with individual differences in growthTherefore, it is often difficult to notice.

However,Support begins when you feel "maybe...It is.
In this guide, we will introduce the signs of development seen at different ages, where to consult, and the process to diagnosis in an easy-to-understand manner. We hope that this guide will help you take the first step, rather than keeping it to yourself and your family.

TOC

What is developmental disability?

Developmental disabilities are due to differences in the way the brain works from birth,A condition in which characteristics appear in communication, behavior, attention, and sensory coordination.It is.

The main types are as follows

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): interpersonal relationships, obsessiveness, etc.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): difficulty in concentrating, restlessness
Learning Disabilities (LD): Difficulties with some aspects of learning, such as reading, writing, and calculation.

*These can overlap.

Signs of Awareness" easily seen by age group

Signs of developmental disabilities tend to vary with age and environment.
Here are a few points that "might look like this..."

Around 1 to 3 years old (infancy)

No response when I call his name.
Pointing and words are hard to come by.
Does not make eye contact, does not want to be held
Repeat one game endlessly

Around 3-6 years old (pre-school)

Difficulty in group activities and keeping in line
Lots of trouble with your friends.
Obsessive and unable to switch
Strongly dislikes loud noises, smells, and textures

From elementary school onwards

Standing and walking in class or having difficulty concentrating
Extremely poor in only part of reading, writing, and calculating
Unique phrasing that makes it difficult to understand the context of the conversation
They say, "I can't read the air."

Even with these characteristics,It is not necessarily a developmental disorder.
If you think, "Maybe I'm not like the other kids..."Consult a professional organization as soon as possible.is important.

Steps from Consultation to Diagnosis

(1) First, consult with a familiar face.

Local childcare support centers and public health centers
Disability Welfare Division and Child Development Support Desk of municipalities
Consult with preschool, kindergarten, and school teachers

In the office for parenting and developmental counseling,Assessment of developmental status by professionals (psychologists, public health nurses, etc.)and connect them to medical referrals as needed.

(2) Diagnosis at medical institution

Visits to pediatrics, child psychiatry, developmental outpatient clinic, etc.
Interviews and psychological testing (WISC, etc.) by specialists
A medical certificate or opinion letter is issued.

Developmental counseling is also available at Uchida Hospital.

Support system available after diagnosis

A diagnosis does not "immediately change anything".
HoweverEasier access to support systemsis a great advantage.

Obtaining a Rehabilitation Certificate (if mentally retarded)
Child development support and after-school day care services
Special needs schools and classrooms
Welfare services for persons with disabilities (including future employment support)

Also, to provide more support to families and more opportunities for consultation with professional staff,It's a relief to be connected with someone who understands."will also be born.

◆ Attending to the Feelings of Parents

It is natural to feel anxious and inclined to deny it when you hear the term "developmental disability."
But by connecting with support early, you can help your childExpanded opportunities to grow up "as you areIt is also true that

Recently, support, school selection, and even work styles that match developmental characteristics,A support system has been put in place to support the strengths of the individual.