image for DD blog scaledDevelopmental disabilities are 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.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a time to increase awareness and promote understanding of and respect for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about 1 in 6 children in the U.S. have one or more developmental disabilities or other developmental delays.

At UofL Health Peace Hospital we serve patients diagnosed with a variety of developmental disabilities some of which include:

  • intellectual disabilities
  • autism spectrum disorder
  • speech and language disorders
  • genetic disorders
  • fetal alcohol and drug related syndromes

We offer training, support and advice to parents and caregivers to assist their child in learning new ways of interacting with the world and empower them to advocate for the supports and services their child needs. Our goal is to teach these individuals the skills they need to live and function as independently as possible.

Raising children is difficult! Raising a child with special needs adds an additional component to an already difficult task. Parents should never be afraid to ask for help.

Peace Hospital offers no charge 24/7 level-of-care assessments. Walk-ins are welcome so please contact our Assessment and Referral Center at 502-451-3333 (Louisville area)/ 859-313-3515 (Lexington/eastern area), or visit us at https://www.uoflhealthnetwork.org/peace-hospital.

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Janice Cowan, MS, BCBA, LBA

Janice Cowan, MS, BCBA, LBA, is program manager of the Innovations and Neurobehavioral Center at UofL Health - Peace Hospital. Janice attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in rehabilitation services and a master's in applied behavioral analysis. Janice is a board certified behavior analyst and has worked in the field for nearly 20 years.

All posts by Janice Cowan, MS, BCBA, LBA
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