Which statement best describes the environmental causes of developmental disabilities?

The statement that environmental causes of developmental disabilities can occur before, during, or after birth accurately captures the range of factors that contribute to these disabilities. This broad time frame encompasses various influences that can affect a child's development.

Before birth, exposure to harmful substances such as drugs, alcohol, or certain infections can have detrimental effects on fetal development. During birth, complications like oxygen deprivation or trauma can also lead to developmental issues. After birth, environmental factors such as lead exposure, malnutrition, or neglect can continue to affect a child's development. This comprehensive perspective highlights that developmental disabilities can arise from a variety of environmental influences at different stages of life, making this statement the most correct of the options provided.

Other statements are more limited in scope; for example, asserting that these causes are only prevalent during pregnancy or solely after birth does not account for the full range of environmental influences that can impact development.