Developmental Disability (California)
In California, Developmental Disability[1] means a disability that is attributable to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or disabling conditions found to be closely related to mental retardation or to require treatment similar to that required for individuals with mental retardation.
The Developmental Disability shall originate before age eighteen, Be likely to continue indefinitely, and Constitute a substantial disability
A “substantial disability” is a condition which results in major impairment of cognitive and/or social functioning, representing sufficient impairment to require interdisciplinary planning and coordination of special or generic services to assist the individual in achieving maximum potential; and the existence of significant functional limitations, as determined by the regional center, in three or more of the following areas of major life activity (Receptive and expressive language, Learning, Self-care, Mobility, Self-direction, Capacity for independent living, and Economic self-sufficiency.)
A Developmental Disability does not include handicapping conditions that are, solely psychiatric disorders, solely learning disabilities, or solely physical in nature.
