Which two features characterize acquired disorders?

• A. Preceding normal development and a neurological injury sustained
• B. Emergence during development and no injury
• C. Early onset with no cognitive impact
• D. Genetic predisposition without injury

Answer: (A)

Acquired disorders are defined by a brain change that happens after a period of normal development, so there are two key features: normal development precedes the event, and a neurological injury occurs that leads to impairment. This combination is what sets acquired disorders apart from conditions that are present from birth or develop without a clear injury.

That’s why the statement describing both normal development before the event and a neurological injury sustained afterward fits best. It captures the idea that the problem arises because of a specific brain insult after a typical developmental course, rather than being inherent to early development or caused purely by genetics without injury.

The other descriptions don’t fit as well: one describes conditions that appear during development without a recognized injury (developmental disorders), another suggests an early onset with no cognitive impact (not consistent with a disorder affecting cognition), and the last points to genetic risk without injury (a predisposition, not an acquired brain disorder).