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

Derived Forms

• developmentally disabled
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of developmental disability

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

"Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people and how they experience the world around them," the DoH said.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2025

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

Providers and leaders who work in behavioral health, developmental disability, long-term care, and family support services have attended the multiple hearings on rate adjustments, saying thanks for the proposed increases but asking for more.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2023