Definition: An umbrella term used to describe disabilities which impair the usual course of development in childhood. Developmental disabilities vary widely, both in severity, and how they affect the individual. They may affect daily functioning in one or several different areas, such as speech, learning, physical and social functioning, and life skills.
Pronunciation: dee-vel-up-ment-ul dis-ab-il-it-eez
Also Known As: learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, intellectual disabilities, intellectual impairments
Examples: Examples of developmental disabilities include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, various genetic and chromosomal disorders such as Down's syndrome and Fragile X syndrome, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
