What is the difference between a developmental disability and mental illness?
In general, a developmental disability refers to a severe, chronic disability of an individual that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments (such as a mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, etc.); is manifested before the age of 22; results in substantial functional limitation in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: * Self-care; * Receptive and expressive language; * Learning * Mobility * Self-Direction; * Capacity for independent living; * Economic self-sufficiency; reflects the individual’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. Adapted from: Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DDAct) of 2000 (P.L. 106-402). Mental illness is a term that describes a broad range of mental and
