CBD 0505: Working with Families of Exceptional Learners

Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.

Developmental disabilities are severe, long-term problems. They may be physical, such as blindness. They may affect mental ability, such as learning disabilities. Or the problem can be both physical and mental, such as Down syndrome. The problems are usually life-long, and can affect everyday living.

Learning disabilities are conditions that affect the ability to learn. They can cause problems with-
-Understanding what people are saying
-Speaking
-Reading
-Writing
-Doing math
-Paying attention
Often, children have more than one kind of learning disability. They may also have another condition, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can make learning even more of a challenge.

You can access nationwide longitudinal financial and programmatic trends on intellectual and developmental disabilities services by going to State Profiles and Create a Chart.

MedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. MedlinePlus also links to health information from non-government Web sites.

Frequently sought-after ADA.gov information

Find information for people with disabilities.

Have a question about the USA? Learn where to find answers to the most requested facts about the United States of America.