Which statement best describes the cause of developmental disability?

Which statement best describes the cause of developmental disability?

• A. It is a broad term for delays in developmental categories that may have no specific cause or cure.
• B. It is always caused by a single genetic disorder.
• C. It is caused by poor parenting.
• D. It is a temporary condition.

Answer: (A)

Developmental disability is a broad term used to describe delays or impairments that occur in multiple areas of development, such as communication, self-care, social skills, and learning. These differences begin early in life and are often lifelong. Because there are many possible causes—and in many cases no single identifiable cause or simple cure—the description that emphasizes it as a broad term with potential for no specific cause or cure best captures reality. Choosing the other explanations isn’t accurate: development disabilities are not always due to a single genetic disorder, they aren’t caused by poor parenting, and they aren’t temporary conditions.

Developmental disability is a broad term used to describe delays or impairments that occur in multiple areas of development, such as communication, self-care, social skills, and learning. These differences begin early in life and are often lifelong. Because there are many possible causes—and in many cases no single identifiable cause or simple cure—the description that emphasizes it as a broad term with potential for no specific cause or cure best captures reality.

Choosing the other explanations isn’t accurate: development disabilities are not always due to a single genetic disorder, they aren’t caused by poor parenting, and they aren’t temporary conditions.