What are Developmental Disabilities?

What is Developmental Disability?

A developmental disability is a group of conditions that emerge during childhood and impact physical, intellectual, or emotional development. These disabilities can affect how a person learns, communicates, moves, or interacts with others, often lasting throughout their life. Developmental disabilities vary widely in how they affect each person; some may face challenges in daily activities, while others may have more subtle limitations. Conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome are examples of developmental disabilities. According to CDC, 1 in 6 or 15% of  children have a developmental disability. 

Developmental Domains

Developmental domains refer to the key areas of growth and skill acquisition in children. These domains help understand and track child development across multiple aspects of life:

  • Cognitive Development: Involves thinking, problem-solving, memory, and learning processes.

  • Physical Development: Covers motor skills, coordination, and physical growth, including both fine and gross motor skills.

  • Language and Communication Development: Focuses on the ability to understand and use language, including speech, listening, and non-verbal communication.

  • Social-Emotional Development: Relates to how children understand emotions, form relationships, and interact socially.

  • Adaptive (or Self-Help) Skills: Involves everyday life skills, such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene, which foster independence.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, behave, and interact with others. It is called a "spectrum" because it encompasses a range of symptoms, abilities, and challenges that vary widely from person to person.
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Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors, affecting skills such as reasoning, learning, and problem-solving; ranging from mild to profound. This can impact daily living, social interactions, and practical skills.
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Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture, resulting from abnormal brain development or brain damage, typically before or during birth. CP can vary widely in severity; ranging from mild to severe.
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Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This condition affects development and can lead to mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, unique physical features, and potential health challenges.
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Learning Disability

Learning disability is a neurological condition that affects how a person processes information, making it challenging to acquire academic skills despite normal intelligence and effort; impacting abilities in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and math (dyscalculia).
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Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by a mutation on the X chromosome and is a common inherited cause of intellectual disability; impacting cognition and behavior, leading to developmental delays, learning, social and behavioral challenges.
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Developmental Delay

Developmental Delay refers to when a child does not reach developmental milestones within the typical age range. This affects areas such as speech and language, motor skills, social-emotional development, or cognitive abilities. It may be a signal of an underlying condition.
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Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder is a neurological condition that affects focus, organization, and impulse control, making it challenging for individuals to maintain attention on tasks. Common in both children and adults; it may impact academic, work, and socialization.
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Rett Syndrome

Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that primarily affects girls, leading to severe cognitive, motor, and communication impairments. After typical early development, children experience a period of regression, losing skills in such as speech and hand use.
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Disclaimer: The information on this page provides an overview of developmental disabilities, their causes, interventions, and general facts. It is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical or professional advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment options, or personalized guidance on developmental disabilities. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of this information, knowledge in this field evolves, and new research may emerge. This page was last updated on 10/27/2024.