The term developmental disability commonly refers to a severe and chronic disability that is often attributable to a mental or physical impairment that occurs prior to age 22. .

A developmental disability can be expected to continue indefinitely and often presents significant challenges to children and families. There are five diagnostic categories associated with the term developmental disability. They are Mental Retardation, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Autism, and Neurological Impairments.

A developmental disability can result in functional limitations in some of the following areas: self-care; learning; language and communication; mobility and movement; socialization; independence; self-determination.

Although developmental disabilities generally fall into these categories there are many different conditions and diagnoses that are also defined as developmental disabilities, including spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, deafness, visual impairments, brain and spinal cord injuries, and others.

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