Is developmental disability a form of retardation?

Developmental disability and retardation are closely related terms, however they are not interchangeable. While developmental disability is a broad term referring to a group of conditions that affect physical and mental development, intellectual disability (previously known as mental retardation) refers to significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Developmental disabilities can include a range of conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, which can have varying degrees of impact on individuals.