How to Access Developmental Disability Services

Please contact our Intake Coordinator at 610-278-5666 who will provide an overview of our program and review the eligibility criteria.

To be eligible for services through the Montgomery County Office of Developmental Disabilities, an individual must have one or more of the diagnoses listed below. To determine eligibility for services and supports through our office, the intake coordinator will request the following documentation based on the individual’s diagnosis:

Individuals with an Intellectual Disability

A clinical diagnosis of an Intellectual Disability based on a standardized intelligence test which results in a Full Scale IQ score of 70 or below.
An adaptive assessment documenting significant limitations in at least two areas of adaptive functioning skills.
The evaluation must be completed and signed by a developmental pediatrician, licensed psychiatrist or psychologist
Evidence of the onset of Intellectual Disabilities prior to the age of 22.

Individuals with Autism

Enrolled in Medical Assistance
A psychological evaluation providing a clinical diagnosis of Autism based on the results of a standardized diagnostic tool.
An adaptive assessment that documents significant limitations in at least 3 areas of adaptive functioning skills
The evaluation must be completed and signed by a developmental pediatrician, licensed psychiatrist or psychologist
Evidence of the onset of Autism prior to age 22
A medical evaluation form (MA51) completed by a physician recommending ICF/ORC level of care

Individuals ages 0-9 with a Developmental Disability or Global Developmental Delay

Must have a documented developmental disability or a global developmental delay (ages 0-4)
This is a condition of substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition with a high probability of resulting in an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder
The disability is manifested prior to the age of 9
The disability is likely to continue indefinitely
Must be eligible for Medical Assistance (MA)
A medical evaluation form (MA51) completed by a physician recommending ICF/ORC level of care

Individuals ages 0-21 with Medically Complex Conditions

Must have a medically complex condition which is a chronic health condition that affects three or more organ systems
Requires medically necessary skilled nursing intervention to execute medical regimens to use technology for respiration, nutrition, medication administration, or other bodily functions.
An adaptive assessment that documents significant limitations in at least 3 areas of adaptive functioning skills
Must be eligible for Medical Assistance (MA)
A medical evaluation (MA51) form completed by a physician recommending ICF/ORC level of care
DP 1090 must accompany the medical evaluation (how to complete the DP1090)

Why Register a Child?

Registering a child with the Office of Developmental Programs will allow them to receive Targeted Support Management (TSM), which is a valuable service that assists individuals with creating a vision of how they want to live an everyday life now and in the future. It includes planning for how to achieve that vision. TSM also helps individuals gain access to needed medical, social, educational and other services. The purpose of TSM is to promote an individual’s right to an everyday life utilizing Person Centered Planning and Self-Determination principles.

Please note, registration with our office does not guarantee services and supports. Access to services and supports, with the exception of Supports Coordination, depends on the availability of funds.

Already registered with the Office of Developmental Disabilities? Click here.

Helpful Links for Children’s Services

Children ages 0-3

The Montgomery County Office of Early Intervention provides programming for children ages 0-3, including comprehensive evaluations and service coordination to access developmental supports.

Children ages 3-5

The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Early Intervention provides programming for children ages 3-5, including comprehensive evaluations and developmental supports.

Children’s Behavioral Health/Mental Health

Please refer to the Children’s Behavioral Health Services Guide

EPSDT Services ages 0-21

The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit provides comprehensive and preventive health care services for children under age 21 who are enrolled in Medicaid. EPSDT is key to ensuring that children and adolescents receive appropriate preventive, dental, mental health, and developmental, and specialty services.