Breaking Barriers: National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Native Communities

Recognizing National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Every March, National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (NDDAM) highlights the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and breaking stereotypes about individuals with developmental disabilities. Established in 1987, this observance encourages communities to recognize the strengths and contributions of people with disabilities and to ensure they have equal opportunities in education, employment, and healthcare.

For Native American communities, this conversation is critical. American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children have the highest rate of childhood disabilities among all racial groups (U.S. Census Bureau). However, cultural stigma, lack of healthcare access, and geographic isolation often create barriers to diagnosis and support.

Bias and Misconceptions About Disabilities in Native Communities

Imagine a young Native child at a family gathering. They avoid eye contact, don’t respond when spoken to, and prefer to play alone instead of joining group activities. Some relatives might whisper, “They’re so rude,” or “Their parents didn’t teach them how to behave.” Others may say, “They just need to toughen up.”

But what if this child isn’t being rude or withdrawn on purpose? What if they have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurological condition that affects communication, social interaction, and sensory processing?

Native children are diagnosed with autism later than children in other racial/ethnic groups, or not at all, delaying essential therapies that improve speech, behavior, and social skills (CDC).

Autistic traits, such as avoiding eye contact or struggling with conversation, may be mistaken for shyness or disobedience, preventing families from seeking evaluations.

In some tribal cultures, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect, which can mask common autism traits and make diagnosis more challenging.

Limited access to specialists in Native communities makes it difficult for parents to get professional evaluations and support (NIH).

By breaking these misconceptions, we can ensure that autistic Native children receive the support, education, and resources they deserve—allowing them to reach their full potential without fear of judgment or exclusion.

Understanding Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities are conditions that affect physical, learning, language, or behavioral abilities and typically begin in childhood. Some of the most common developmental disabilities include:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A condition that affects social skills, communication, and behavior. Many people assume that autistic individuals don’t want to socialize, but in reality, they process communication differently.

Cerebral Palsy: A condition that impacts movement and coordination. Some see individuals with cerebral palsy as physically weak or dependent, but many lead active, independent lives.

Intellectual Disabilities: A condition that affects problem-solving, learning, and everyday skills. Some may mistake a person’s quietness or slower speech for a lack of intelligence when they simply process information differently.

Hearing and Vision Impairments: Sensory disabilities that affect communication and learning. A child who struggles to follow verbal instructions may not be ignoring their teacher—they may have an undiagnosed hearing impairment.

Prevalence of Disabilities in Native American Communities

5.9% of AI/AN children have a disability, the highest rate among all racial groups (Census Bureau). 

16% of AI/AN adults in rural communities have disabilities, with rates increasing in more isolated areas (NIH).

Native children are often diagnosed later than children in non-Native communities, making early intervention more difficult (CDC).

These statistics highlight a pressing need for increased access to diagnosis, early intervention, and culturally competent support for Native individuals with disabilities.

Challenges in Accessing Disability Services

Native families face unique barriers when it comes to diagnosing and treating developmental disabilities:

Cultural Stigma – Disabilities may be misunderstood or kept private, preventing families from seeking help.

Geographic Isolation – Many Native communities lack specialists such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and developmental pediatricians.

Limited Healthcare Access – Tribal healthcare programs are often underfunded, making it difficult to provide consistent disability services.

Educational Barriers – Native children with disabilities may struggle in schools that lack specialized support programs.

Despite these challenges, tribal leaders, educators, and healthcare advocates are working to expand resources for Native families.

Programs Supporting Native Individuals with Disabilities

Indian Health Service (IHS): Provides healthcare services for AI/AN individuals, including disability assessments and treatment options.

Tribal Disability Advocacy Programs: Many tribes offer family support, disability rights education, and employment assistance for individuals with disabilities.

State Councils on Developmental Disabilities: Work to improve disability services and policies at the state level (ACL.gov).

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act): Ensures that Native children with disabilities have the right to special education and accommodations in public schools.

By expanding awareness and advocating for resources, we can help Native families connect with the support they need.

How We Can Support Inclusion in Native Communities

This National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we can take action by:

Encouraging conversations about disabilities to reduce stigma and misinformation. 

Advocating for more disability services in tribal and rural healthcare settings. 

Supporting Native families navigating disability care and education. 

Celebrating the strengths and talents of individuals with disabilities in our communities.

Every Native child, adult, and elder deserves the opportunity to thrive—regardless of ability.

Honoring Every Voice and Ability: Creating an Inclusive Future

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is more than just an observance—it’s a call to action for Native communities to support, uplift, and advocate for individuals with disabilities. Together, we can build a future where every Native person, regardless of ability, has access to education, healthcare, and community support.

Share this message.

Support disability inclusion in your tribal community. 

Learn more about disability advocacy and resources available for Native families.

By embracing inclusion and breaking down barriers, we honor the resilience, strength, and spirit of every Native person.