Developmental Disability Directory
Over 6 million individuals in the United States have developmental disabilities. A developmental disability is defined as a severe, chronic disability which originated at birth or during childhood, is expected to continue indefinitely, and substantially restricts the individuals functioning in several major life activities such as self-care, language, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living and economic self-sufficiency.
Some centers for the developmentally disabled can provide a full array of medical, therapeutic and vocational services to residents as well as round-the-clock care. Other resource centers can also provide some therapeutic and vocational services to non-residents. Rehabilitative science classifies developmental disabilities as severe, profound, moderate or mild, as assessed by the individual's need for supports.
Usually people with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, various genetic and chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are described as having developmental disabilities. Other terms are learning disability, intellectual disability and congnitive disability.
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