developmental disability

noun

plural developmental disabilities

: any of various conditions (such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, blindness, or fragile X syndrome) that usually become apparent during infancy or childhood and are marked by delayed development or functional limitations especially in learning, language, communication, cognition, behavior, socialization, or mobility

Two to three babies in 1,000 have cerebral palsy (CP), making it one of the most common developmental disabilities.

—Melanie Howard

Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and relates to other people.

—Braema Mathi

developmentally disabled adjective

developmentally disabled students

Examples of developmental disability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This aid is often critical for families fostering children with complex needs, such as developmental disabilities or severe medical conditions. —CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

Penguin Players and Penguin Project is a unique community theater program organized to bring together talented artists with developmental disabilities and their peer mentors to perform in inclusive, inspiring productions. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026

Proceeds benefit the Sophie’s Gallery and Art Program in downtown El Cajon, a space where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can explore their creativity Tickets are available now starting at $170 per guest. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

Changes last year specify DAS is for guests with developmental disabilities like autism who cannot wait in long lines. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for developmental disability

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• fertility
• fragility
• futility
• gentility
• hostility

Kids Definition

developmental disability

noun

: any of various conditions (as autism, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disability) that are marked by delayed or impaired development (as in learning, language, or mobility)

developmentally disabled adjective

Medical Definition

developmental disability

noun

: any of various conditions (as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, blindness, or fragile X syndrome) that usually become apparent during infancy or childhood and are marked by delayed development or functional limitations especially in learning, language, communication, cognition, behavior, socialization, or mobility

Two to three babies in 1,000 have cerebral palsy (CP), making it one of the most common developmental disabilities.

—Melanie Howard

Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and relates to other people.

—Braema Mathi

developmentally disabled adjective

developmentally disabled children