Developmental Disabilities

  • Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments.
  • People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, self-preservation and independent living.
  • Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last throughout a person's lifetime. However, they are most likely to occur between birth and age 3.

See also:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Epilepsy
  • Intellectual Disabilities
  • Neurological Impairments - Many disabilities that fall under neurological impairments are identified in other sections of Definitions of Disabilities. Neurological impairments are a group of disabilities including disorders of the brain and central nervous system that considerably limit a person's development, understanding, memory, attention span, fine muscle control, use of language, or ability to adjust to new situations. Generally, these impairments begin during childhood or adolescence. People with neurological impairments may experience a variety of learning difficulties or social behavior problems. They also may have special care needs because of problems in memory, conversation, organization and impulse control. Approximately 34,000 people in New York State are thought to have some type of severe neurological impairment. Many of these people learn to compensate for their disabilities and lead fulfilling lives.

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - National Center on Birth Defects & Developmental Disabilities