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What is a Developmental Disability?
Under federal law it is a severe, often lifelong disability that affects people before they reach age 22 and substantially limits functioning ability in three or more life activities such as self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living, and employability. For full definition . . . .
An individual from birth to age nine who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition, may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting three or more of these criteria if the individual, without services and supports, has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.
Click here for the complete legal definition in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance & Bill of Rights Act of 2000