PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES AND RELATED DISABILITIES
Definition and Eligibility Criteria for Intellectual and Related Disabilities
All three of the conditions listed below must be met. The presence of one condition alone before 18 years of age is not sufficient to make a diagnosis of intellectual disability.
- Significantly below-average intellectual functioning (a valid IQ of approximately 70 or below as determined by IQ tests for children and adults and a clinical judgment for infants)
- Concurrent deficits in adaptive functioning (how effectively an individual copes with common life demands for his or her age and cultural group) in at least two areas: communication, self care, home living, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self-direction (e.g., ability to make decisions, seek assistance), functional academic skills, work, leisure, health and safety. Adaptive functioning refers to how well an individual copes with common life demands
- Onset of these conditions before 18 years of age
It is the consistency with which these deficits are present across all criteria that renders the diagnosis of intellectual disability either appropriate or inappropriate.
RELATED DISABILITIES
A related disability is a severe, chronic condition found to be closely related to intellectual disability or that requires similar supports as do persons with intellectual disabilities. All four of the following conditions must be met:
- The disability is attributable to cerebral palsy, epilepsy or any condition, other than mental illness, and found to be closely related to intellectual disability because this condition results in impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior similar to that of persons with intellectual disabilities and requires similar treatment or services.
- The disability is likely to continue indefinitely.
- The disability results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self care, understanding and use of language, learning, mobility, self-direction, and capacity for independent living.
- The onset of the disability is before 22 years of age.
Diagnosed learning disabilities such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), in the absence of other qualifying criteria, do not constitute eligibility as “related disabilities” for DDSN eligibility. Your Service Coordinator can provide information on agencies that may offer services for these disabilities.
INFORMATION NEEDED TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
Current and previous psychological information (within one year, if age 6 or under) adaptive measures, social information, medical reports and school records are necessary to determine eligibility.
Toll free calls to the USC School of Medicine-Center for Disability Resources are answered during normal work hours, Monday -Friday at 1-800-289-7012. Screenings may be requested by calling to determine if you are eligible for services.
PEOPLE WITH AUTISM
Autism is defined as abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and communication, as well as markedly restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities manifested prior to three years of age. Problems which are experienced in these areas must fit a specific pattern of disturbance that is outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
INFORMATION NEEDED TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
Social information relevant to developmental history, a valid evaluation using state-of-the-art assessments and medical and psychological records that pertain to a possible diagnosis are needed.
If you or a family member believes you have autism, please call toll-free 1-800-289-7012.
This toll-free line is staffed during normal business hours; however messages can be left at any time with calls returned in the next two business days. If the applicant meets screening criteria, he/she will be provided with a list of available service coordination or early intervention (SC/EI)providers.
PEOPLE WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND/OR SPINAL CORD INJURY (HASCI) AND SIMILAR DISABILITIES (Individuals are served through Horry County HASCI)
If you or a family member have a disability resulting from traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury or both, or a similar disability, contact HASCI Division Information & Referral (I&R) at 1-866-867-3864 (toll-free) to be screened for referral to DDSN’s HASCI division. Please refer to the HASCI section for additional information.
FOR HIGH RISK INFANTS AND TODDLERS
If your family member is under 36 months of age and has a developmental delay or is at risk for a developmental delay, contact First Steps BabyNet toll-free at 1-877-621-0865.