Overview Developmental Disabilities
Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas.
These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime. They may be physical, such as blindness. They may affect mental ability, such as learning disabilities. Or the problem can be both physical and mental, such as Down syndrome. There are many causes of developmental disabilities, including:
Genetic or chromosome abnormalities. These cause conditions such as Down syndrome and Rett syndrome.
Prenatal exposure to substances. For example, drinking alcohol when pregnant can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Certain infections in pregnancy
Preterm birth