Developmental disability means either a strongly demonstrated potential that a child under six years of age has a developmental disability or will develop a developmental disability, as determined by a test performed pursuant to section 36-694. or by other appropriate tests, or a severe, chronic disability that:

1. Is attributable to a cognitive disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or autism.
2. It is manifested before the age of eighteen.
3. It is likely to continue indefinitely.
4. Results in substantial functional limitations 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.
5. This reflects the need for a combination and sequence of individually planned or coordinated special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or other services that are of lifelong or extended duration.​

Households with a member who is developmentally disabled should apply for assistance, including referrals for housing assistance, to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). To find out more about DDD, check out their website.