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

Then, make your way to Possibilities Antiques and Collectibles—not only known for its great deals but also its meaningful mission, providing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to gain skills and contribute to the community. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 11 May 2025

The rally was organized by Arc Minnesota, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. —Feven Gerezgiher, Twin Cities, 5 May 2025

Last November, Brooke had the opportunity to visit Our Pride Academy, a nonprofit school in Kendall for individuals with developmental disabilities. —Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025

Built in the 1930s as a residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities, STS at its peak housed more than 2,300 residents across a 1,600-acre campus with 125 buildings. —Lisa Seminara, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 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