Children with Developmental Disabilities

A developmental disability is a disability which originates before an individual reaches eighteen (21) years old, continues or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and which constitutes a substantial disability for that individual.

This term includes but is not limited to developmental delay, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and disabling conditions but exclude other handicapping conditions that are solely physical in nature.

As part of the initial health assessment and routine health assessment (which will be done according to the American Academy of Pediatrics Periodicity Schedule), the PCP will identify individuals with significant developmental delay or those at risk for developmental disability and make the appropriate referral to Carelon Behavioral Health (previously known as Beacon Health Options) . The following information must be included:

• Reason for the referral
• Complete medical history and physical examination, including appropriate developmental screens
• Results of developmental assessment/psychological evaluation and other diagnostic tests as indicated