What are developmental disabilities?
Developmental disabilities are significant, life-long disabilities that begin at birth or during childhood (through the age of 21). Some examples are autism, intellectual/cognitive disability, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain jury. They are called developmental disabilities because they manifest during a person’s “developmental” years (0-21). A sole diagnosis of mental illness is not considered a developmental disability in Maryland.
Developmental disabilities are a variety of conditions that become apparent during childhood and cause mental or physical limitation. These conditions include autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation, and other neurological impairments. People with developmental disabilities may not learn as quickly as others or express themselves clearly. Some people may have limited ability to take care of their physical needs or may have limited mobility. Many have more than one disability. Developmental disabilities have a variety of causes, which can occur before, during or after birth. Those occurring before birth include genetic problems, poor prenatal care or exposure of the fetus to toxic elements, drugs or alcohol. Occurrences during birth, such as a cut off of oxygen to the baby, or accidents after birth, like car accidents causing traumatic brain injury, also can cause developmental disabilities.
Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.
