Terms and Definitions

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What is..?

1. Developmental Disability
2. Autism
3. Down Syndrome

Developmental Disability ( DD )

Federal Definition of Developmental Disabilities

As noted in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 1994, "the term developmental disabilities means a severe, chronic disability of an individual five years of age or older that --

1. is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
2. is manifested before the individual attains age 22;
3. is likely to continue indefinitely;
4. results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: (i) self-care; (ii) receptive and expressive language; (iii) learning; (iv) mobility; (v) self-direction; (vi) capacity for independent living; and (vii) economic self-sufficiency; and
5. reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, supports, or other assistance that is of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated; except that such term when applied to infants and young children, means individuals from birth to age five, inclusive, who have substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired conditions with a high probability of resulting in developmental disabilities if services are not provided.

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Autism

Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects functioning of the brain. Autism, and its associated behaviors, may occur in as a many as one in evey 500 individuals. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls, and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.

Autism interferes with the normal development of the brain in the areas of reasoning, social interaction, and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have dificiencies in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others or become independent members of the community. They may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects, and resist changes in routines. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present.

Autism is a spectrum disorder in which individiuals experience varying degrees of the disability. No two persons with autism are alike and, therefore, the treatment and education should be tailored to the individual's unique needs. More Info

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Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder present at conception, which causes delayed mental, physical and motor development.  Down syndrome occurs in approximately one out of every 800 live births, and it is the most often observed chromosomal anomaly in man.  Down syndrome occurs with equal frequency in all races.  A person with Down syndrome has an extra chromosome in the cells of his body, which produce an alteration in his physical and mental development.  Individuals with Down syndrome resemble their parents and other family members in the same way any child would. More Info

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Revised: February 13, 2007 .