An acquired disorder is defined as what?

• A. Evidence of a deficit/loss of functional skills which occurs after a period of normal development, consequent on neurological injury or disease
• B. A deficit that has always been present
• C. A deficit from birth
• D. A deficit due to genetic factors

Answer: (A)

An acquired disorder is defined by its timing: the deficit appears after a period of normal development, arising because of neurological injury or disease. The key idea is that the person functioned typically for some time and then, due to a brain insult or illness, a new deficit emerges. This contrasts with conditions that are present from birth or are due to genetic factors, which are not considered acquired. So the statement that a deficit emerges after normal development because of neurological injury or disease best captures what an acquired disorder is. Deficits present since birth or caused by genetics describe non-acquired, congenital or genetic etiologies.