3.3. Explain how disability may affect development

This guide will help you answer 3.3. Explain how disability may affect development.

Disability can affect a child or young person’s development in many ways. It is important to understand how disabilities may influence their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth. This ensures that appropriate support is given so they can reach their full potential.

Disabilities vary greatly and how they affect each individual can differ. Some children may have visible physical disabilities, while others may have needs that are less obvious, such as autism or a learning difficulty.

Physical Development

Physical development refers to a child’s growth, coordination, and ability to move. Children with physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, may find it harder to engage in physical activities. Limited mobility or spasticity (stiff or tight muscles) can delay milestones such as crawling, walking, or running.

Some children may need assistive devices like wheelchairs or walkers. These can help them move around, but they may still face challenges like limited access to certain environments. Disabilities affecting fine motor skills, such as difficulty using hands, can also impact activities like writing, drawing, or using tools.

Chronic illnesses like asthma or heart conditions may leave a child feeling fatigued more often. This can limit their participation in physical activities, slowing their development.

Supporting physical development could involve:

• Physiotherapy exercises to improve movement and muscle tone.
• Providing adaptive equipment such as pencil grips or standing frames.
• Ensuring inclusive play and sports opportunities.

Cognitive and Intellectual Development

Cognitive development involves learning, thinking, problem-solving, and processing information. Disabilities like Down’s syndrome, global developmental delay, or learning difficulties may affect how quickly a child learns and processes information compared to their peers.

Children with specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia, may struggle with reading, writing, or maths. These difficulties can lower their confidence if they feel they are falling behind others.

Neurological conditions, such as foetal alcohol syndrome or a brain injury, may affect memory, attention span, or the ability to follow instructions. A child in this situation might find it harder to keep up in school.

Strategies to support intellectual development include:

• Using simple, clear instructions and visual aids.
• Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
• Providing targeted teaching or one-to-one support.

Social and Emotional Development

Social and emotional development refers to how children interact with others and understand emotions. Disabilities like autism or sensory processing disorders can make it hard for some children to form relationships. They may find social cues, such as body language or tone of voice, difficult to interpret.

Children with communication impairments may become frustrated if they cannot express themselves. This can lead to behavioural challenges, like feeling withdrawn or acting out. Emotional difficulties can also arise if a child feels excluded, different, or judged by their peers.

Some children may experience anxiety or depression, especially if they struggle with a condition like ADHD, which can affect impulse control and concentration. They may find group settings overwhelming or misinterpret social situations.

Ways to support social and emotional development include:

• Encouraging inclusive group activities.
• Teaching social skills explicitly, such as sharing and turn-taking.
• Offering emotional support and reassurance.

Communication and Language Development

Communication development includes understanding and using language. Some disabilities, such as hearing impairments or speech delays, can directly affect how a child communicates. Such children may find it harder to express their thoughts or needs clearly.

Cognitive disabilities or developmental conditions like autism may also impact communication. For example, some children may have difficulties understanding abstract concepts or sarcasm.

Non-verbal children, who rely on sign language, symbol boards, or digital tools, may experience slower language development in certain areas. They might also feel isolated if others don’t know how to communicate with them.

To support communication development, you can:

• Use Makaton or sign language.
• Provide speech and language therapy.
• Provide supportive communication tools like picture cards.

Behavioural Development

Disabilities can influence behaviour. For instance, a child with sensory processing difficulties might react strongly to certain sounds or textures. This could lead to what appears to be tantrums but is actually sensory overload.

ADHD may lead to hyperactive or impulsive behaviours. A child may struggle to sit still, listen, or follow rules in the classroom. These behaviours can sometimes be misunderstood as “naughtiness”.

Children who experience frustration, such as those with communication challenges, might act out. Their behaviour may be an attempt to express something they can’t verbalise.

Supporting behavioural development involves:

• Being patient and understanding triggers.
• Creating a calm and predictable environment.
• Using positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate behaviour.

Impact on Independence

Disabilities may delay how easily a child becomes independent. For instance, physical disabilities might make dressing or feeding themselves harder. Intellectual disabilities might affect decision-making skills.

A child with a chronic medical condition may rely on carers to manage aspects of their health, such as administering medication or using equipment like oxygen tanks.

Encouraging independence might involve:

• Teaching life skills step by step.
• Providing adaptive equipment, such as velcro fasteners for clothing.
• Building confidence through small, achievable tasks.

Social Stigma and Barriers

Children with disabilities may face social stigma or bullying. These experiences can erode their confidence or lead to feelings of loneliness. Negative stereotypes about disabilities can also result in practical barriers—for example, playgrounds that lack accessible equipment.

Supporting a child in overcoming these issues includes:

• Educating peers about inclusion and acceptance.
• Advocating for accessible environments.
• Providing safe spaces where children feel valued and respected.

External Factors Influencing Development

Many external factors can contribute to how a disability affects development. Families with fewer resources may struggle to access the right therapies, equipment, or educational support.

Some schools lack trained staff or resources to support children with disabilities, which can limit their progress. The availability of healthcare services also plays a role—long waiting lists for specialists like occupational therapists can delay support.

Caregivers might also feel stressed if they lack the right guidance. This stress can sometimes unintentionally affect the child.

Tackling these challenges involves:

• Advocating for better services in education and healthcare.
• Providing families with information and resources.
• Connecting families with support groups or charities.

Final Thoughts

Every child or young person with a disability is unique. The support they need must reflect their personal strengths, challenges, and circumstances.

Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team—including teachers, healthcare professionals, and family members—ensures that strategies are effective and balanced.

Remember, supporting development doesn’t mean ignoring the disability. It means working with the child and their abilities to help them thrive. Recognising even the smallest achievements builds confidence and a sense of progress.