1. Identify a specific developmental disability: Choose a disability you’re interested in, such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, or intellectual disability.
2. Use a reputable academic database: Search for peer-reviewed articles using databases like:
   • PubMed: https://www.nih.gov/
   • Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/
   • JSTOR: https://www.jstor.org/
3. Construct a search query: Combine keywords related to your chosen disability and “contributing factors” or “causal factors.” For example, you might search for “autism spectrum disorder genetic factors” or “Down syndrome environmental causes.”
4. Refine your search: Use filters to narrow down your results based on publication date, authors, or journals.
5. Evaluate the article: Once you find a relevant article, assess its quality by considering factors like:
   • Peer review: Ensure it’s been reviewed by experts in the field.
   • Methodology: Evaluate the research methods used (e.g., experimental, observational).
   • Results: Assess the strength and significance of the findings.
   • Conclusions: Consider whether the conclusions are supported by the evidence.

Example search query: “Autism spectrum disorder genetic factors”

Potential peer-reviewed journals:

• Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
• Pediatrics
• Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology

By following these steps, you should be able to find a suitable peer-reviewed article that discusses the contributing or causal factors of a specific developmental disability.