Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs)

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are a primary focus of the NICHD’s research support. IDDs include a variety of different types of disabilities and disorders, including those that affect the nervous system, metabolism, and cell function and survival.

The NICHD supports and conducts research to understand the causes and effects of IDDs and to help identify effective therapies for these disorders. The NICHD invests heavily in supporting many areas of IDD research, including the genetic and developmental causes of IDDs; the ways that IDDs affect learning, communication, cognition, and memory; interactions of the family and community with individuals with IDDs; and the effect of individual factors on social interactions, behavior, and emotions.

Common Name

  • Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs)

Medical or Scientific Name

  • Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs)
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