FAQ: Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities

Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities

Why is it important for parents/caregivers to apply for DD Eligibility through PerformCare as soon as possible?

As the video on the linked page explains, applying for eligibility for developmental disability (DD) services through PerformCare allows your family to apply for additional Family Support Services (FSS) such as:

• Respite
• Assistive technology
• Camp
• Educational Advocacy/Environmental Modifications (e.g., handicapped accessible bathroom, adaptations for vehicles, etc).

See/print the handout that provides an overview of these services

• You can access and submit the DD Eligibility Determination Application through the secure Cyber Family portal        
  • PerformCare suggests that you submit eligibility applications for New Jersey Children’s System of Care intellectual and developmental disability services through the CYBER Family Portal.
  • Online applications process faster at this time. Please do not use smartphones or tablets to fill out the application because you may lose data.

***Please note that the CYBER Family Portal only supports Microsoft Edge at this time.

• Applications on behalf of individuals who are 18 years or older must be submitted to the Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).  The Children's System of Care will honor determinations of eligibility and provide developmentally disability services made by DDD for individuals between the ages of 18 and 21.     

What are Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services most appropriate for?

• The principles and methods of behavior analysis have been applied effectively in many circumstances to develop a wide range of skills in learners with or without disabilities. Families may sometimes mistakenly believe that ABA services are needed for their child's progress. ABA services are specific interventions for:
  • Behaviors that may threaten the health or safety of the child or others
  • Behaviors that may inhibit a child from learning or acquiring new skills
  • Behavior disorders that may be a barrier to their ability to remain in the least restrictive setting and/or limit their ability to participate in family and community life and
  • Absence of developmentally appropriate adaptive, social or functional skills

Want to learn more? Check out the Austim Speaks ABA Guide for Families!

Managed Care Organization (MCO):

“Effective April 1, 2020, NJ FamilyCare Medicaid will reimburse Medicaid-enrolled Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy providers for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) treatment services, including behavior identification assessments, supporting assessments, adaptive behavior treatment, individual and group, and family adaptive behavior treatment.”

Should your child have medical insurance through New Jersey Family Care Medicaid (NJFC) please visit https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmahs/news/ebhb.html

What services are available through PerformCare regardless of Care Management involvement?

• Learn more about the Intellectual and Developmental Disability services available through the NJ Children's System of Care (CSOC).   

• See also NJ Children's System of Care Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services handout.   

• There are additional resources available in multiple languages through the same website.  This information may also be shared with families as a resource for in-home services upon leaving Early Intervention.

What should I do as my child aged 16+ approaches adulthood?

• A helpful resource for planning to transition your young adult out of the K-12 school system to adult services is available through the NJ Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).This timeline outlines the steps to gain access to DDD services and supports you need to take to ensure a smooth transition. This timeline includes the following four steps:
  • Ensure Medicaid eligibility. See the Medicaid Documents Verification Checklist found under Fact Sheets
  • Ensure DDD eligibility.
  • Complete the New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJ CAT).
  • Select a Support Coordination Agency by either searching your county ResourceNet by the phrase "Support Coordination" or using the State provider search tool

These steps are outlined in greater detail on the timeline handout linked above. Please note that the first three steps can be completed when the student is between 18 and 21 years of age.