Medically reviewed by: Jenna W.

Briddell, MD and Laura Eisel, PA-C

Date reviewed: July 2021
Boyle, C.A., S. Boulet, L.A. Schieve, R.A. Cohen, S.J. Blumberg, M. Yeargin-Allsopp, S. Visser, and M.D.
Kogan. 2011. Trends in the prevalence of developmental disabilities in US Children, 1997–2008.
Pediatrics 127 (6):1034-42.
Low birthweight, premature birth, multiple birth, and infections during pregnancy are associated with an
increased risk for many developmental disabilities.

These factors include genetics; parental health and behaviors (such as smoking and drinking) during
pregnancy; complications during birth; infections the mother might have during pregnancy or the baby
might have very early in life; and exposure of the mother or child to high levels of environmental toxins,
such as lead

Zablotsky B, Black LI, Maenner MJ, Schieve LA, Danielson ML, Bitsko RH, Blumberg SJ, Kogan MD, Boyle
CA. Prevalence and Trends of Developmental Disabilities among Children in the US: 2009–2017.
Pediatrics. 2019; 144(4):e20190811.