developmental disability

[ dih-vel-uhp-muhn-tl dis-uh-bil-i-tee ]

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.

developmental disability

/ 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.

Other Words From

• de·vel·op·men·tal·ly dis·a·bled [dih-vel-, uh, p-, muhn, -tl-ee dis-, ey, -b, uh, ld] adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of developmental disability¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Between 2020 and 2021, the number of California children and teens served by the state developmental disability system who were deemed to have “complex needs” — a state term for those who needed a range of crisis services or landed in a locked psychiatric ward — rose from 536 to 677, according to a report released last year by the California Department of Developmental Services.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s pretty common for a mental health practitioner to turn away someone with a developmental disability or say, ‘I don’t serve that population,’” said Zoe Gross, director of advocacy for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.

From Los Angeles Times

The numbers may actually be higher: The state agency says it learns about out-of-state placements only when families inform the regional centers that coordinate developmental disability services.

From Los Angeles Times

During the publicity tour for “All in the Family: the Trumps and How We Got This Way,” Fred Trump, whose son has a developmental disability,, told ABC News that when he asked Donald Trump to replenish his son’s medical fund, Trump replied, “Your son doesn’t recognize you. Let him die, and move to Florida.”

From Los Angeles Times

"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