Yup, smoking has just gotta be a risk factor

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The number of U.S. children with developmental disabilities has been climbing over the past decade, reaching nearly one in six in 2006 to 2008, a new government report shows.

The take-home message for parents would be to promote early identification and screening of children," Sheree Boulet, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, told Reuters Health. "These children require more services."

Durkin said the reason is unclear, but explained that poorer nutrition, more pre-term births and less intellectual stimulation could be involved.

Boulet explained that curbing risk factors like maternal obesity and smoking will help trim the chances of having a child with disabilities.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43131715/ns/health/