Child Development Program

Childhood developmental disabilities, also known as developmental disorders, are a diverse group of conditions of the body or brain that impede a child’s development as they mature and develop necessary life skills. These disabilities can impact the child’s physical, learning, language and/or behavior development, potentially affecting daily functioning.    

Most developmental disabilities begin before a baby is born, but some may develop after birth because of injury, trauma, infection, or other medical factors during childhood.  

In Cuba, child development and rehabilitation programs are specifically designed to address developmental disabilities. Cuban rehabilitation specialists are multidisciplinary and highly trained to conduct thorough assessments and examinations followed by the implementation of a detailed, specialized programs that targets the development of essential skills, improve physical abilities, and enhance their communication, behavioural challenges and social interactions. 

Early and comprehensive rehabilitation can have a significant impact on a child’s quality of life, allowing them greater independence and enabling them to participate more fully in everyday activities. By addressing developmental challenges, rehabilitation can support the child’s overall growth and development, helping them reach their full potential.   

Some common types of childhood developmental disabilities treated in the Republic of Cuba include: 

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): 

• • A range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. 

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): 

• • A neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development. 

• Cerebral Palsy (CP): 

• • A group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture caused by damage to the developing brain, usually before birth. 

• Intellectual Disabilities: 

• • Significant limitations in both intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem-solving) and adaptive behavior (conceptual, social, and practical skills). 

• Speech and Language Disorders: 

• • Disorders that affect a child’s ability to communicate effectively (e.g., expressive language disorder, receptive language disorder, stuttering, and articulation disorders). 

• Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD): 

• • A condition in which the brain cannot process or respond appropriately to sensory information. Children with this condition may be overly sensitive or not sensitive enough to various stimuli. 

• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD): 

• • A motor skills disorder characterized by difficulty in learning motor tasks and coordination, also known as dyspraxia.