Select... ADHD Angelman Syndrome Asperger Syndrome Autism Cri Du Chat Down Syndrome Dysphagia Dyspraxia Epilepsy Fragile X Klinefelter Syndrome Pervasive Dev. Disorder Prader-Willi Syndrome Rett Syndrome Sotos Syndrome Tourette Syndrome Trisomy Tuberous Sclerosis Williams Syndrome

• General Guide
• What is a Development Disability
• What is an Intellectual Disability
• Syndromes & Conditions
• Life Events
• Special Topics
• Children's Websites
• Site Search
• Feedback & Suggestions
• Our Sponsors
• Activ Library
• Activ Website
• Home

What is a Development Disability?

Any physical or mental condition (such as mental retardation*, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or a neurological disorder) that begins before the age of 18 years, causes the child to acquire skills at a slower rate than his peers, is expected to continue indefinitely, and impairs the child's ability to function normally in society.

Source: Coleman, Jeanine G. The early intervention dictionary: a multidisciplinary guide to terminology. 2nd ed. Bethesda, MD., Woodbine, 1999.

* As this is an American book they refer to mental retardation rather than intellectual disability, the term used in Australia.