RESUMO
People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development upto 22 years of age and usually last throughout a person's lifetime. It reflects the person's need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment or other services that are of life-long or extended duration and that are individually planned and coordinated. They currently represent a large proportion of the childhood illnesses and disorders. The causes can be environmental, genetic or multifactorial. Prevention is important to reduce the neuromorbidity in the society. Strategies for prevention are discussed which take into account the possible causal associations.