What is a developmental disability?

According to Missouri Statute, a developmental disability is a disability:

(a) Which is attributable to:

1. Mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, head injury or autism, or a learning disability related to a brain dysfunction; or
2. Any other mental or physical impairment or combination of mental or physical impairments; and

(b) Is manifested before the person attains age twenty-two; and

(c) Is likely to continue indefinitely; and

(d) Results in substantial functional limitations in two or more of the following areas of major life activities, such as:

1. Self-care;
2. Receptive and expressive language development and use;
3. Learning;
4. Self-direction;
5. Capacity for independent living or economic self-sufficiency;
6. Mobility; and

(e) Reflects the person's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, habilitation or other services which may be of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. http://www.dmh.missouri.gov/mrdd/mrddindex.htm