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According to materials provided and class discussion, anyone with a below average IQ, having a cognitive impairment, will meet the NJ definition of having a developmental disability.

a) True
b) False

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The statement is false; a developmental disability in NJ includes more than just an IQ below average, encompassing significant limitations in both intellectual and adaptive functioning manifested before age 22.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that anyone with a below average IQ, having a cognitive impairment, will meet the NJ definition of having a developmental disability is false. The definition of a developmental disability includes more than just a cognitive impairment indicated by an IQ score. In New Jersey, as in many places, a developmental disability is broader and includes individuals who have chronic disabilities that are attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments, that are manifested before the individual attains age 22, which likely result in lifelong needs for a combination of and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or other services that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. Moreover, having a below-average IQ is not sufficient alone to be classified as having a developmental disability; significant impairments in adaptive functioning and the onset of these conditions before the age of 18 are also key criteria.

Learning disabilities are a separate category, which are neurological in origin and can affect various cognitive functions like reading and language, but are not necessarily tied to an individual's overall intelligence level.

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