Translation guide
A condition that affects physical, learning, language, or behavior development. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 発達障害 (hattatsu shōgai). This guide covers how to talk about developmental disabilities in various contexts, from medical to everyday conversation.
To refer to the broad category of developmental disabilities in a neutral, clinical, or everyday context.
The standard, neutral term for developmental disability. Used in medical, educational, and everyday settings. It encompasses conditions like autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and learning disabilities.
He was diagnosed with a developmental disability.
Support for children with developmental disabilities is necessary.
An alternative spelling using 障がい instead of 障害. Some prefer this because 害 can imply 'harm' or 'damage'. It carries a slightly more sensitive or politically correct nuance, but 発達障害 is still more common.
Let's deepen our understanding of developmental disabilities.
To refer to specific conditions that fall under developmental disabilities.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current clinical term. Often abbreviated as 自閉症 (じへいしょう) in casual contexts, but 自閉スペクトラム症 is preferred in formal settings.
The characteristics of autism spectrum disorder vary from person to person.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The official medical term. Often abbreviated as ADHD (エーディーエイチディー) in conversation. 注意欠陥・多動性障害 (ちゅういけっかん・たどうせいしょうがい) is an older term still sometimes used.
To talk about a person with a developmental disability in a respectful, person-first way.
Person-first phrasing: 'a person/child with a developmental disability'. This is the most respectful and common way to refer to someone. Avoid saying 発達障害者 (はったつしょうがいしゃ) which can sound clinical or labeling.
Educational support for children with developmental disabilities is important.
Create a work environment where people with developmental disabilities can work comfortably.
A softer, more positive phrasing: 'a person/child with developmental characteristics'. This avoids the word 障害 (disability) altogether and is sometimes used in educational or advocacy contexts.
To refer to developmental disabilities in casual or sensitive contexts without using clinical terms.
Literally 'developmental delay'. Often used when speaking about young children before a formal diagnosis, or in a less clinical way. It can be a euphemism, but may also be used accurately for temporary delays.
My child has a developmental delay and goes to developmental support.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'a bit different/quirky'. Sometimes used euphemistically to hint at neurodivergence without naming a disability. Use with caution as it can be dismissive.
This is very informal and can be offensive if used carelessly. Only use among close friends or family when the context is clear and not derogatory.
To talk about support, therapy, or services for developmental disabilities.
Developmental support or therapeutic education for children with disabilities. A common term in Japan for early intervention programs.
I'm receiving speech therapy at the developmental support center.
Reasonable accommodation. A legal and social term for adjustments made to support people with disabilities in school or workplace.
Disability certificate (officially 'Physical Disability Certificate', but also used for intellectual/developmental disabilities). It provides access to various services and benefits.
Terms like 精神薄弱 (せいしんはくじゃく) and 精神遅滞 (せいしんちたい) for intellectual disability are now considered derogatory. Use 知的障害 instead. Similarly, avoid 自閉症 (じへいしょう) in formal contexts; use 自閉スペクトラム症.
In Japanese, person-first language (e.g., 発達障害のある人) is becoming standard, especially in advocacy and media. However, you may still hear 発達障害者 in legal or medical documents. When in doubt, use the person-first pattern.
Symptoms of ADHD often appear from childhood.
Learning disability (LD). Refers to specific learning disorders like dyslexia, dysgraphia, etc. Sometimes abbreviated as LD (エルディー).
Even with a learning disability, academic ability can be improved with appropriate support.
Intellectual disability. Previously called 精神遅滞 (せいしんちたい), but that term is now considered outdated and offensive. 知的障害 is the current standard.
People with intellectual disabilities can also live independently in the community.
We want to create a place where children with developmental characteristics can learn freely.
He's a bit different, but that's what I like about him.
Provide reasonable accommodations for employees with developmental disabilities.
If you obtain a disability certificate, you can receive various support.