Developmental Disabilities Linked to Higher Unmet Social Needs in Children

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine reveals a significant association between developmental disabilities and higher unmet social needs in children. A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that approximately 30% of pediatric patients with developmental disabilities self-reported at least one health-related social need, compared to 12.6% of pediatric primary care patients. The study suggests that health systems should develop workflows to identify and address these needs for pediatric patients with developmental disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 1,420 pediatric patients with developmental disabilities and 32,143 pediatric primary care patients.
  • The results showed that patients with developmental disabilities were 2.49 times more likely to have at least one unmet social need compared to primary care patients.
  • The most common unmet social needs reported by patients with developmental disabilities included housing insecurity, housing quality, and health care transportation needs.
  • Approximately 426 patients with developmental disabilities self-reported at least one unmet social need compared to 4,064 primary care patients.
  • The study emphasizes the need for health systems to develop strategies to address the social needs of pediatric patients with developmental disabilities.

Statistics:

  • 30.0% of pediatric patients with developmental disabilities self-reported at least one health-related social need.
  • 12.6% of pediatric primary care patients self-reported at least one health-related social need.
  • 2.49: the odds ratio indicating that patients with developmental disabilities were 2.49 times more likely to have at least one unmet social need compared to primary care patients.
  • 1,420: the number of pediatric patients with developmental disabilities analyzed in the study.
  • 32,143: the number of pediatric primary care patients analyzed in the study.
  • 426: the number of patients with developmental disabilities who self-reported at least one unmet social need.
  • 4,064: the number of primary care patients who self-reported at least one unmet social need.

Sources:

  • Developmental Disabilities Are Associated with Higher Unmet Social Needs in Children. The Journal of Pediatrics, 2025;288:114809.
  • Mosby-elsevier, 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010-1710, USA.
  • Rose F. Kennedy Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center, Dept. of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
  • Alexandra L. Falkenberg, Contact researcher.
  • Samantha R. Levano, Additional author.
  • Miya Lemberg, Additional author.
  • Kevin P. Fiori, Additional author.
  • Rosa Seijo, Additional author.
  • Maria Valicenti-Mcdermott, Additional author.