Final answer:
Developmental disabilities are chronic conditions that manifest during the developmental period of an individual, significantly affecting day-to-day functioning. The two main types are intellectual disabilities, such as Down Syndrome leading to lowered intelligence, and developmental disorders, like autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, leading to cognitive disruption and communication difficulties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Developmental Disabilities
Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of chronic conditions that arise due to impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These disabilities typically begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person's lifetime. The two broad types of developmental disabilities are intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders.
Intellectual Disabilities
Intellectual disabilities, such as Down Syndrome, involve impairments in general mental abilities that affect adaptive functioning in conceptual, social, and practical domains. These disabilities lead to below-average intelligence (lowered intelligence) and difficulty in learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Developmental Disorders
Developmental disorders are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavioral development. Examples include autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which affect communication, social interaction, attention, and can also lead to cognitive disruption. Both types of disabilities can impact schooling and life skills, and necessitate inclusive educational strategies to support affected individuals.
Overall, while the specific symptoms and challenges can vary widely, both types of developmental disabilities commonly lead to difficulties in various areas of life, including social interaction, communication, education, and employment opportunities.