developmental disability

American  

[dih-vel-uhp-muhn-tl dis-uh-bil-i-tee] / dɪˌvɛl əpˈmən tl ˌdɪs əˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. a disability, as autism spectrum disorder or cerebral palsy, that impairs physical, intellectual, language, or other development, beginning at an early age and continuing indefinitely, impacting day-to-day functioning.

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developmental disability Scientific  

/ dĭ-vĕl′əp-mĕn′tl /

1. A mental or physical disability, such as cerebral palsy or mental retardation, that is present during childhood, interferes with normal physical, intellectual, or emotional development, and usually lasts throughout life.

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Other Word Forms

• developmentally disabled
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of developmental disability

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Federal laws forbid references to the patient’s mental health, substance use, developmental disability or HIV status.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2025

"The backlash against Gus Walz is heartbreaking as the Walzes represent millions of American families — about 1 in 6 children have a developmental disability," Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc, told Salon.

From Salon • Aug. 23, 2024

Experts recommend that caregivers to children younger than 6 years old and adults with a history of dementia, Alzheimer's disease or developmental disability use traditional laundry detergents instead of packets.

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2024

About one in six children in the U.S. has at least one developmental disability or other developmental delay, according to the U.S.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 7, 2023

Mandating developmental disability services in adulthood and investing in home- and community-based care are not optional.

From Scientific American • Sep. 13, 2023