What is a developmental disability?

In general, a developmental disability includes, but is not limited to, people who have an intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, severe seizure disorder or a severe head injury that occurs before the age of 22.

Under federal law, developmental disability means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that:

• Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
• Is manifested before the age of 22;
• Is likely to continue indefinitely;
• Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:
  • Self care
  • Receptive and expressive language
  • Learning
  • Mobility
  • Self-direction
  • Capacity for independent living
  • Economic self-sufficiency
• Reflects the individual’s need for services, supports or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.