6.1.5: How Is a Developmental Disability Different from Mental Illness?

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Erin O'Hara-Leslie, Amdra C. Wade, Kimberly B. McLain, SUNY Broome

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There are several differences between a person who has a developmental disability and a person who has a mental illness. Developmental disabilities are permanent, while mental illnesses may be temporary, with recovery being possible. A person is diagnosed with having a developmental disability before the age of 22, and often when they are babies. A person can have a mental illness at any point in their lifetime, from childhood to late adulthood.

A person with a developmental disability may have a mental illness. It may be evident at a young age, or it may develop later in life. Regardless of when it develops, it is important to remember that a developmental disability and a mental illness are not the same thing. They each must be treated in special ways.

For Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental illness, as discussed in Module 5. If a person has difficulty performing everyday tasks, caring for themselves, communicating with others, and being able to be independent, they may have feelings of frustration, depression, anger, anxiety, and hopelessness. One way to support a person who has a developmental disability and a mental health issue is to help teach them positive coping strategies as we discussed in Module 5.

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\)

1. Developmental disabilities and mental illness is the same thing.True or False? ___________

2. A person with a developmental disability can also have a mental illness. True or False? _________

Answer

1. False

2. True

FEEDBACK:

1. Developmental disabilities and mental illness is not the same thing, although a person may have both. A person is diagnosed with having a developmental disability before the age of 22, while a person can have a mental illness at any point in their lifetime

2. A person with a developmental disability can also have a mental illness, which can occur at any point in their lives, even though they were diagnosed with a developmental disability as a child.