Eligibility

A developmental disability is caused by either mental retardation or conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, or epilepsy.  A person with mental retardation has below average intellectual and adaptive skills.  Typically a person who has mental retardation has an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 69 or less.  To be considered a developmental disability, it must occur before a person reaches age 22; mental retardation must occur before age 18.