Another problem is that people with developmental disabilities vary widely with their mental and physical capabilities. Regardless of their limitations, people with developmental disabilities need opportunities that promote learning, choice and decision making, and independence. We, as individuals and as a society, must strive to assure that these opportunities are not just possibilities, but reality. Some Facts About Developmental Disabilities Making general statements about people with developmental disabilities is difficult because so many different disabilities are included in the definition. About 3.8 million children 17 years and under are believed to have a developmental disability.
Males are more likely than females to be diagnosed with a developmental disability.
Sometimes it's hard to get helpful information about developmental disabilities, especially information which is not too technical. There is scant information that gives a personal perspective on a disability the impact a disability has had on a person's life, and how he or she copes with the disability. The following references may provide some helpful background information on developmental disabilities. Included are references written by people with disabilities. The human side of exceptionality.