At-Risk
For children under age six, DDD can serve them not only if they already have a diagnosed developmental disability, but also if they are “at-risk for having a developmental disability.”
What “at-risk” means for DDD eligibility
For children under age six, DDD can serve them not only if they already have a diagnosed developmental disability, but also if they are “at-risk for having a developmental disability.”
“At-risk” means:
- The child does not yet have a full qualifying diagnosis (like autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, etc.), but there is a strong demonstrated potential that they are or will be diagnosed with a developmental disability.
- This determination is made based on clinical criteria, such as:
- Significant developmental delays on standardized assessments (e.g., 50 % delay in one domain or 25 % delay in two domains of development like physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, or self-help).
- Medical/clinical conditions associated with a high risk of developmental disability (e.g., neurological conditions, prenatal or postnatal injuries, chromosomal abnormalities).
In short: a child is considered “at-risk” for DDD services when their development or medical history suggests they likely will have a developmental disability, even if a formal qualifying diagnosis isn’t yet established.
Why “at-risk” matters
This designation matters because:
- It allows younger children (under age 6) to access DDD supports earlier, potentially preventing further delays.
- It triggers eligibility evaluation and can lead to early intervention services through DDD.
- After age 6, eligibility typically requires a formal developmental disability diagnosis rather than an “at-risk” status.
Eligibility Disclaimer: The information provided on this page regarding qualifying diagnoses is for informational and educational purposes only. Endeavor HCBS is a contracted Qualified Vendor for the State of Arizona; however, final determination of eligibility for services is made solely by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) following a formal application and assessment process. Listing these diagnoses does not constitute a guarantee of service or a formal medical diagnosis.