Some 54 million Americans have disabilities and that number has been increasing. It includes more than 10 million children with developmental disabilities - a number accentuated by the fact that 50 per cent of children with disabilities are not identified until school age. Early identification of developmental disabilities is crucial, as it has been shown to improve outcomes. A good example of this is autism, where early identification and treatment can lead a child to impressive gains in communication, social skills and learning. It's also clear that having a developmental disability puts one at risk for secondary conditions. The lack of recreational opportunities, for example, can lead to the development of obesity as well as withdrawal, depression and isolation. Again, early identification can help prevent these problems.
We understand from the passage that, in the case of children _____.
poor social skills and depression are the most common of the development disabilities
the disabilities often spring from the lack of recreational opportunities
with two or more disabilities, it is almost impossible to give them any help at all
but not of adults, obesity is usually a primary disability
the disabilities of half of them go unnoticed until they start school
It is clear from the passage that, if a child is to be helped to overcome a developmental disability ___.
this should start as soon as he goes to school
the sooner that helps starts, the better
he must not be allowed to feel different from anyone else
group therapy should be considered
the first step must be the improvement of communication skills
The passage makes the point that one developmental disability ___.
is often cancelled out by some special skill or talent
that is especially difficult to treat is autism
is often likely to give rise to one or more other disabilities