What does mental impairment include?

Mental impairment encompasses a range of conditions that affect cognitive functioning and behavior. The correct choice identifies specific examples of mental impairments, including autism, traumatic brain injury, and developmental disabilities. Each of these conditions can significantly influence a person's cognitive abilities, social interactions, and daily functioning.

Autism spectrum disorder, for instance, can impact communication and social skills. Traumatic brain injury may lead to changes in memory, attention, and emotional regulation. Developmental disabilities typically affect various areas of development, including intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.

In contrast, while mild cognitive disorder, mental illness, and chronic stress disorders can affect mental health, they do not completely encompass the range of conditions included in the broader category of mental impairment. Mental illness focuses on conditions like depression or anxiety, but does not include neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Mild cognitive disorder may not be universally accepted as a mental impairment, as it represents a lesser degree of cognitive dysfunction compared to the other conditions mentioned. Chronic stress can lead to various mental health issues, but it is not classified strictly as a mental impairment in the way the other candidates are. Thus, the second choice provides a more comprehensive understanding of what constitutes mental impairment.