Developmental disabilities.

Abstract

The concept of developmental disabilities as a group of problems with origins in the stages of human development has been broadened by recent legislation to include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, dyslexia, and other neurological impairments. The debate continues on whether or not specific disability categories should be named, but the functional aspects of the problems seem to be generally accepted. Potential implications of this legislation for occupational therapy are discussed in this paper. Numerous programs supported by a variety of governmental units and private agencies will need qualified professionals. This paper concludes with a brief list of six developmental disability programs of the University of Michigan University Affiliated Facility and an outline of three models of field placement in developmental disabilities for occupational therapy students.