Developmental Disability Across the Lifespan

Abstract

The life expectancy of people with developmental disabilities approaches that of the general population. In a healthy, supportive environment with education, social support, and opportunity, all people with developmental disabilities can be included in their communities and lead meaningful lives. Developmental disability is not a disease, illness, prognosis, or set of specific cognitive or physical traits. Rather, it is a social construct, defined in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 as a severe, chronic disability that manifests during the developmental period of life, and is expected to continue indefinitely. It results in substantial functional limitations in three or more areas of major life function including self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. It is a disability that requires special interdisciplinary services and supports and lifelong, individually planned and coordinated care [1]. Developmental disabilities can result from genetics, injury, or intrauterine, perinatal, or postnatal environmental conditions. Developmental disabilities include diagnoses such as autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and intellectual disability.