The character of developmental disabilities in New York State: preliminary observations.

Preliminary information about the population characteristics of developmentally disabled persons in the State of New York is presented. The information was derived through a "rate-under-treatment" survey approach using the Developmental Disabilities Information Survey (DDIS). The results are based upon statewide data, derived from 36,334 cases, composed of 34% children and 66% adults. The findings revealed that the subject populations socio-demographics were consistent with those of the general population in the areas of age and ethnic distribution, but not in gender ratio. Developmentally disabled persons were located primarily in community settings; only 24% of the children and 45% of the adults were found to reside within various institutional settings. Most were mentally retarded, however more children than adults were identified as having a secondary condition such as autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy or some other neurological impairment. About half were reported to also have some type of physical disability. The majority were free of ambulation difficulties. Only half had basic self-care skills, and a third were facile in communication skills. Learning capabilities were found to be affected by maturation and experience. It was suggested that a "rate-under-treatment" approach is effective, within certain constraints, in capturing reliable information about a population that could be used for planning and developing public policies.