When can developmental disabilities occur?

Developmental disabilities can occur at various stages, specifically before birth, at birth, or during childhood/adolescence. This encompasses a wide range of conditions that are identified early in life and can arise due to various genetic, environmental, or other factors.

Before birth, developmental disabilities may result from genetic factors or complications during pregnancy, such as exposure to toxins or infections. At birth, factors such as birth weight, prematurity, or complications during delivery can influence the likelihood of developmental disabilities. Furthermore, during childhood and adolescence, developmental disabilities can manifest as a result of genetic syndromes, environmental influences, or other health issues that affect growth and development.

Other options limit the occurrence of developmental disabilities to specific times in a person's life, which does not accurately reflect the complexity and range of these conditions. Developmental disabilities can be identified early but may originate from multiple points in the life cycle. Thus, the selected response captures the comprehensive timeline of when these disabilities can occur.