What is childhood disability?

A disability is something that affects your child's ability to function in the same way as other children.

About 1 in 10 children have a disability.

Everyday life can be challenging for a child with disability and their family. However, many children with a disability can be supported to develop their strengths and interests.

Children with disability need as much support as possible and may benefit from early childhood intervention.

What are the different types of childhood disability?

There are many types of disability. Some children are born with disabilities. Other disabilities can develop after your child is born or are caused by injury.

In Australia, disabilities are often put in groups, such as:

• intellectual disabilities — impaired intellectual function which affects daily activities
• neurological disabilities — which include learning disabilities such as dyslexia as well as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• physical disabilities — some children are born with a physical disability or they may be caused by a serious injury like losing an arm in an accident
• psychosocial disabilities — can be caused by mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression
• sensory disabilities — hearing problems, speech problems or vision impairment
• acquired brain injuries — this may be due to trauma, asthma or after a near drowning

Many children have health conditions that are related to more than one disability group.

Congenital disorders

Congenital disorders are also known as birth differences. They affect a wide range of different body structures or functions and are present from birth.

They can be inherited or caused by environmental factors. Some common congenital disorders are:

• Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) — a common genetic condition that causes intellectual disability
• Cerebral palsy — a physical disability that makes it hard for your child to control how their body moves
• Fragile X syndrome — an inherited condition that causes intellectual disability and learning and emotional problems

Find out more about congenital disorders.

What is a developmental delay?

Developmental delays are when your child learns skills more slowly than other children their age.

Global developmental delay is when your child has a number of skills developing more slowly than expected.

With extra support, your child can keep developing and catch up with other children.

Every child is different and will learn at their own pace. You can read more about the developmental milestones your child should be reaching.

There are many causes of developmental delays. A developmental delay does not always mean that your child has a disability.

What should I do if my child has a disability?

If your child has a disability, start to learn more about their disability. This will help you understand your child's needs and help you plan their support and care.

You may need to take your child to see a paediatrician (child doctor) and other health professionals. They can assess your child's needs and help you organise care and support.

Starting early childhood intervention is very important. Early childhood intervention supports your child's development and wellbeing.

If your child has a disability, you may also be able to get financial support.

How can I support my child's education?

If your child has a disability, they may need extra support:

• in the years leading up to school
• at primary school

When choosing child care services or a school for your child, it may be helpful to talk to families in your area.

Your choices will depend on where you live and the needs of your child.

It's best to visit the school well before the enrolment date. This way, you can check that the school can support your child.

Your child may be eligible for funding to help your child access support services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

How will my child's disability impact me?

Having a child with a disability affects the whole family. It can be draining — physically, mentally and emotionally.

You might be dealing with:

• medical appointments
• hospital stays
• medicines
• a change in diet

It's common to feel many emotions, including grief and guilt.

Understanding the disability service system can also be complicated. Having a child with a disability can be stressful.

How can I look after myself?

To give your child the best support, you need to look after yourself. This can be easier said than done.

Some things that you can try to do are:

• get enough sleep
• eat well
• stay active

A good support network can be useful. This can include:

• family
• friends
• healthcare professionals
• parent support groups

You can get extra support from a psychologist. Your doctor can give you a mental health care plan to help with the costs.

See the Resources and Support section to learn where you can find more help.

How else can I support my child?

Tell people about your child's strengths and their personality.

Try to learn more about your child's disability. This can help you manage your expectations. It can also help you educate other people about your child's condition. This can build understanding and support.

Do not compare your child with other children. Try to focus on your child's strengths and the progress they make. When your child reaches a goal, celebrate with them.

What are my child's legal rights?

Learning your child's legal rights can help you protect them from discrimination. It can also help you navigate the disability service system.

Disability discrimination

In Australia, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 protects people from being treated unfairly.

It's against the law to discriminate against someone with a disability.

There are 2 types of discrimination outlined in the Disability Discrimination Act.

• Direct discrimination — when a person with a disability is treated less favourably, such as being refused entry to a business.
• Indirect discrimination — when everyone is treated the same, but it negatively impacts someone with a disability, such as not having wheelchair access.

The Act also protects people with a disability from being harassed because of their disability. People with a disability have the right to not feel intimidated, insulted or humiliated by others.

This Act protects children with a disability by setting standards for:

• education
• getting and using services — such as public transport
• accessing public places

Other Australian Government laws that protect people with a disability are:

• the Disability Services Act 1986
• Social Security Act 1991

Each state and territory also has laws to protect people with a disability.

Support for disability discrimination

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is responsible for investigating and acting on any complaints of disability discrimination.

You can make an enquiry or lodge a complaint with the AHRC via:

• telephone on 1300 656 419
• email at infoservice@humanrights.gov.au

Before making a complaint, AHRC suggests that you get legal advice. You can access this through your local legal centre.

Resources and support

If you are a parent or carer of a child with a disability, there are various places to get support.

Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service providing practical information, support and useful resources for carers. Search the Carer Gateway website or call 1800 422 737.

Carers Australia represents the interests of carers in Australia.

The Disability Gateway helps you find the information and services that you need. You can call them on 1800 643 787.

Learn about the support available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Or call them on 1800 800 110.

The following organisations have more information about childhood disabilities.

People with Disability Australia (PWD) protect the rights, health and wellbeing of people with disability. You can call them on 1800 422 015.

Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) represent children and young people with disability. Call them on 1800 222 660.

If you need to talk to someone about your mental health, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Siblings Australia supports the brothers and sisters of children with a disability.