Disabilities present at birth or emerge during childhood that restrict physical and/or mental ability.

• A. Developmental Disability
• B. Intellectual Disability
• C. Physical Disability
• D. Sensory Disability

Answer: (A)

Disabilities that appear at birth or develop during childhood and affect physical or mental functioning fall under developmental disabilities. This term covers conditions that begin during the growth period and can impact multiple areas—movement, communication, learning, self-care, and behavior—often lasting into adulthood. Examples include conditions like autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, which are identified in childhood and influence development overall.

It’s broader than a physical disability, which centers on limitations in movement or mobility from injury or illness, and broader than a sensory disability, which involves vision or hearing loss. While intellectual disability focuses on limitations in cognitive functioning and adaptive skills, developmental disability is the umbrella for conditions with onset in development that affect various abilities.