Developmental Disabilities in Adolescents

Are you considering a career as a behavioral health counselor, professional counselor or mental health counselor and do you have an interest in helping adolescents? If so, then consider earning Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Professional Counseling with an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, which can prepare you for national certification and licensure as a counselor in Arizona. When providing counseling for adolescents, understanding the developmental disabilities that can affect this age group is critical. Continue reading for an introduction to common developmental disabilities in adolescents.

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual Disability is characterized by significant limitations in adaptive skills and intellectual functioning. Adolescents with intellectual disability may struggle in areas such as conceptual skills, home living, self-care, health and safety, communication, social skills, functional academics and self-direction.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain. This damage can occur before and during birth, as well as shortly after. Cerebral palsy is a developmental disability that affects muscle coordination and body movement and it may also cause an adolescent to experience visual and hearing impairments, abnormal speech, seizures and mental retardation.

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism impacts millions of people across lines of class, ethnicity and race. Four out of five adolescents with this developmental disability are male. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by ongoing deficits in social interaction and communication. Also, this disorder is accompanied by repetitive, restricted patterns of activities, interests or behavior.

Attention-Deficit Disorder and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Commonly known as ADD and ADHD and referred to together as AD/HD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a common neurobehavioral disorder that causes problems such as over-activity, inattentiveness and impulsivity in affected adolescents. AD/HD is a lifelong disorder that can significantly impact a person’s work, school, home and interpersonal relationships.

Grand Canyon University’s BS in addiction counseling can prepare you for a rewarding career helping individuals and families who struggle with drug dependency. You can discover more about our programs by visiting our website or clicking the Request More Information button on this page.

About College of Humanities and Social Sciences

As the title of our blog suggests, these posts by College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) faculty and special guests will engage, inform and challenge you in a myriad of ways. The posts reflect the diversity of our programs of study: degrees that are traditional (history), current (justice studies and communications), academic (English literature) and career-oriented (psychology, counseling, criminal justice and government). Here, there is something for everyone.