Intellectual & Developmental Disorders
Developmental disorders (or disabilities) are a group of conditions and impairments in physical, learning, language or behavior that affect daily life. Development disorders include a range of physical challenges as well as intellectual and learning disabilities, including vision impairment and hearing loss. These disorders are primarily diagnosed in school-aged children, but present before the age of 22.
A learning or intellectual disability is characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and behavior, including language, coordination and attention span. Over the past several decades, important changes have been made in disability research and therefore terminology, resulting in the renaming of mental retardation to intellectual disability.
Receiving a diagnosis of a developmental, learning or intellectual disorder can feel overwhelming for the individual as well as the family or caretaker. Education and working closely with healthcare and academic professionals play important roles in treating and living with developmental, learning and intellectual disabilities. To help you navigate everything from symptoms to treatment and care, please explore the various types of disorders and diagnoses found on the menu to the left.