health

Developmental disability is a term applied to a group of chronic disorders
caused by physical and/or mental impairments that occur before age
twenty-two and typically last for a lifetime. These disorders affect a person’s
ability to learn, speak effectively, take care of themselves, hold a job,
and live independently.
Developmental disabilities are defined as mild, moderate, severe, or
profound on the basis of how much social support the person needs.
A person with mild developmental disabilities, for example, may be able
to benefit from special education programs, finish high school or a vocational
training program, work in certain types of jobs, and live with their
family or in the community. Those with profound disabilities, on the other
hand, may require twenty-four-hour care in a group home or institution.