Understanding Development Disorders and Intellectual Disability

Development disorders are conditions that begin during the developmental period—typically early childhood—and often last throughout a person's lifetime. These conditions affect how a person develops physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

The question asks to identify an example of a Development Disorder from the given options.

Analyzing the Options

• Blindness: This is primarily a sensory impairment affecting vision. While it can impact development, it is not typically classified as a primary development disorder in the same category as conditions affecting cognitive or social development from birth.
• Hearing impairment: Similar to blindness, this is a sensory impairment. It significantly affects communication and development but is generally categorized as a sensory disability rather than a core development disorder like those impacting broad cognitive function or social interaction from the start.
• Intellectual disability: This is defined by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning (like learning, problem-solving, judgment) and adaptive behavior (everyday social and practical skills). Intellectual disability originates before the age of 18 and is a classic example of a neurodevelopmental disorder, falling squarely under the umbrella of Development Disorder.
• Leprosy: This is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. It is not a developmental condition that affects early cognitive or social growth; it is an acquired illness.

Conclusion

Based on the definitions and common classifications of developmental conditions, Intellectual disability is a clear example of a Development Disorder. It is a condition that manifests during the developmental period and affects intellectual and adaptive functioning over a person's lifespan.