In fact, while the leading preventable cause of developmental disabilities is fetal alcohol syndrome, in the vast majority of cases the cause is unknown. It could be trauma, lack of environmental stimulation, or even as simple as poor teaching. Including the developmentally challenged person in our lives is actually the very best therapy we can provide. That's what makes a program like Best Buddies so significant. Often, the most difficult and painful obstacle facing those with developmental disabilities is feeling insignificant.
Social isolation can be more devastating than the person's impairment.
I hope we're helping educate people that Buddies are really no different from anyone else and often far more similar in their hopes, dreams, and talents. Not only in terms of creativity and competency, but also in the economic cost to society. As those with mental challenges live longer, many are outliving their parents. Many siblings are taking over the care, but this emotional and financial load is lightened when programs like Best Buddies are available. Working not only gives the impaired individual greater self-esteem and independence, it also can relieve some of the financial burden.