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

As chair of the Human Services, Youth & Early Learning Committee, Senn passed a bill to give foster youth, previously barred from developmental disability benefits, access to them.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 20, 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

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

From Scientific American • Sep. 13, 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