SLHS 580: 11/4 “Developmental Disorders and Aging”

Developmental Disorders

A group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.

Are developmental disorders typically lifetime disorders?

Yes

What are some examples of developmental disorders?

Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, Down Syndrome

Why is aging and developmental disorders a huge concern for caregivers?

Parents of adults with developmental disorders may express concern about how their child will be cared for into older adulthood.

Elders with Down Syndrome

They experience “accelerated aging” and are reported to begin “slowing down” by late 40-50.

—> 30% of people with Down syndrome who are in their 50s have Alzheimer’s dementia.

—> 50% of people with Down syndrome in their 60s have Alzheimer’s dementia

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

More variable genetic basis, less available research.

—> Makes it more challenging to predict patterns of aging

Elders with DLD

Can increase the risk of unemployment/social difficulty (isolation, bullying), lack of independence in adulthood, difficulty understanding complex information (written or spoken) which raises concerns for understanding processes related to bills, taxes, health care, etc.

Elders with ADD/ADHD

A lifespan disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. Symptoms are related to executive function

—> because changes in executive function naturally occur in older adults, differential diagnosis is difficult