Which statement best describes a developmental disorder?

• A. It is a deficit where there was no prior indication that the skill(s) were ever learned or developed
• B. It arises after brain injury in adulthood
• C. It is caused by infections
• D. It emerges after learning experiences

Answer: (A)

Developmental disorders are conditions that begin during the developmental period and are characterized by deficits in skills that would normally emerge as a child grows. The statement that best fits this idea describes a deficit where there was never any indication that those skills would be learned or developed—meaning the skill never develops as part of typical maturation. This contrasts with problems that arise from a brain injury later in life, or from learning that occurs after a normal development window, or from infections as the sole defining cause. In short, developmental disorders reflect atypical development that starts in childhood, not something that happens after adulthood or due to later experiences.