Developmental Disability is an umbrella term that includes intellectual disability but also includes other disabilities that are apparent during childhood.

Developmental disabilities are severe chronic disabilities that can be cognitive or physical or both. The disabilities appear before age 22 and are likely to be lifelong. Some developmental disabilities are largely physical issues, such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy. Some individuals may have a condition that includes a physical and intellectual disability, for example- Down syndrome or fetal alcohol syndrome.

Intellectual disability encompasses the “cognitive” part of this definition, that is, a disability that is broadly related to thought processes. Because intellectual and other developmental disabilities often co-occur, intellectual disability professionals often work with people with both types of disabilities.

There are there major criteria for intellectual disabilities

• Significant limitations in intellectuals functioning
• Significant limitations in adaptive behavior
• Onset before age 18

DARS: Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services

DMAS: Department of Medical Assistance Services: The department of medical assistance services is the state agency designated by the general assembly of Virginia, under the provision of Title XIX, of the Social Security Act, to administer Virginia’s Medicaid Assistance Program

DBHDS: Department for Behavioral Health and Developmental Services