Undoubtedly, the most vulnerable social group is children with developmental difficulties. Their vulnerability is exacerbated not only due to their inevitable age, but also as a result of specific physical, psychological, or psychophysical conditions and impairments that intensify this vulnerable status. While the legal frameworks of the Republic of Croatia, including the Constitution, the Social Welfare Act, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, necessarily ensure rights for this group, a noticeable discrepancy remains between the declared legal protection and the actual realization of these rights. However, the challenges surrounding the lives of children with developmental difficulties are not solely confined to their legal status. They confront deep and intricate challenges across various aspects of life. Depending on the nature of their difficulty, they may encounter obstacles in education, social interaction, healthcare, and professional autonomy. Children with developmental difficulties often face prejudice, stigmatization, and insufficient support, further complicating their daily existence. Hence, there arises a need for a comprehensive reform of the system and societal environment to ensure adequate support and inclusion for children with developmental difficulties. This paper elucidates the concept of children with developmental difficulties, delineates the categorization of impairments and expounds upon them, discusses shifts in familial dynamics involving these children and the challenges they confront, outlines the rights of children with developmental difficulties, explains their position within the educational system and social welfare framework, highlights the role of social workers in working with these children and their families, and delineates the challenges social workers face in their engagement.