Developmental Disabilities

New Jersey's Definition of Developmental Disabilities-- New Jersey law states that a developmental disability is a condition that:

• is attributable to a mental or physical impairment, or a combination of mental/physical impairments;
• is manifested before the age of twenty-two
• is likely to continue indefinitely
• results in substantial functional limitations of three or more of the following:
  • self-care
  • receptive and expressive language
  • learning
  • mobility
  • self-direction
  • capacity for independent living
  • economic self-sufficiency
  • reflects the person's need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment, or other services, which are lifelong or of extended duration, and are individually planned.

Developmental Disabilities include:

• Autism
• Cerebral Palsy
• Epilepsy
• Spina Bifida
• Head Injury
• Mental Retardation

Source: New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities