Developmental disabilities are conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language or behavior areas that impact a person’s day-to-day functioning. Developmental disabilities emerge between birth and age 22, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.
Many different types of developmental disabilities exist, and most are caused by a complex mix of factors, which may include genetics, parental health and behaviors, complications during birth, prenatal or early childhood infections, and prenatal or early childhood exposure to environmental toxins.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, developmental disabilities occur among all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. These disabilities may be cognitive, physical or a combination of both. While not always visible, these disabilities can result in serious limitations in the everyday activities of life, including self-care, communication, learning, mobility, self-direction, and/or being able to work and live independently.
Some developmental disabilities include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy, Fragile X syndrome, intellectual disabilities, Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida and Tourette syndrome.
For more information about developmental disabilities, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Developmental Disabilities homepage.