WHO Definitions

Question 1

a condition or behavior which is unusual but represents more of a variation of normal within a child’s family, culture or society

Answer 1

difference

Question 2

a physical condition, state or behavior that is below expectation for age, sex or physical condition, when measured against norms or performance criteria

Answer 2

delay

Question 3

a condition or behavior that impairs functional abilities in one or more areas of development; can be remediated, others compensated for or others continue to exist

Answer 3

disorder

Question 4

any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function; does not imply a disability or handicap, per se

Answer 4

impairment

Question 5

an identified absence or significant limitation in a specified physical attribute, function or skill; (may be used in the same way as developmental delay or cognitive delay, implying that despite remediation / intervention, there will always be a deficit)

Answer 5

deficit

Question 6

a limitation in the ability to perform certain tasks in the typical manner; a reduced competence in meeting daily living needs (may be used interchangeably with handicap, especially among non-professionals)

Answer 6

disability

Question 7

a disadvantage in society, due to an impairment (any loss or abnormality of physiological or anatomical structure or function) and resulting disability (the reduced ability to meet the needs of daily living)

Answer 7

handicap