What Is IDD? Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Explained
Key Takeaways
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are conditions that begin during development and can affect learning, communication, movement, and daily activities.
- Intellectual disability is one type of developmental disability, but not everyone with a developmental disability has an intellectual disability.
- IDD can have genetic, environmental, or other causes, although the exact cause is sometimes unknown.
- Individualized health care, therapies, and community resources can help people with IDD live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) affect millions of people, but no two people's experiences are exactly alike. These conditions can influence how a person learns, communicates, moves, and navigates everyday life.
Learn about the range of intellectual and developmental disabilities and the University of Rochester Medicine's efforts to understand, improve, and provide specialized care.
What Are Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)?
Developmental vs Intellectual Disabilities
Developmental disabilities
Developmental disabilities are chronic conditions that can affect many areas of a person's life, such as:
- Mobility, movement, and coordination
- Learning and understanding information
- Language and communication
- Behavior and social interaction
- Independent living
Intellectual disabilities
Intellectual disabilities are a type of developmental disability that impacts intellectual functioning and adaptive skills. People with Intellectual disabilities may experience challenges with:
- Learning and remembering information
- Problem-solving
- Communication and social skills
- Everyday tasks and self-care
What Causes Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?
The exact cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities is often unknown. Some possible causes include:
Neurological disorders & development
What happens during development that impacts the severity of a neurodevelopmental disorder?
- Genetic Conditions: Changes or mutations in genes or chromosomes.
- Problems During Pregnancy: Infections, malnutrition, or exposure to harmful substances.
- Complications at Birth: Premature birth or lack of oxygen during delivery.
- Early childhood infections and Injuries: Serious infections or injuries in early childhood.
Living with an intellectual and developmental disability
People with IDD can lead fulfilling lives with the right support. This might include:
- Special Education: Tailored learning programs to help children with IDD.
- Therapies: Speech, occupational, and physical therapy to develop skills.
- Support Services: Help with finding jobs, living arrangements, and social activities.
Those with IDD are a traditionally underserved population, with approximately 19,000 people affected locally, 120,000 regionally, and 200 million worldwide. Continued research and efforts to provide specialized, comprehensive care can address barriers in the IDD community and help people reach their full potential.
How we’re making a difference
University of Rochester Medicine is one of just a handful of organizations with all three federally supported programs related to intellectual and developmental disabilities:
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (UR-IDDRC)
- Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities (SCDD)
- Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center
In 2020, the University of Rochester became one of 15 nationally recognized IDDRC’s. Through a concerted effort across basic, translational, and clinical investigators, it aims to provide actionable clinical solutions for our IDD community. The center, part of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, consists of four scientific cores that enhance access to resources, equipment, data, and expertise, advancing research at the University in new ways.
The Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities
The Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities is 1 of 68 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) nationwide. The center partners with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to create a world in which everyone is valued and respected. It provides resources to support people with IDD so they can fully participate in their communities of choice.
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)
The LEND program provides collaborative, interdisciplinary training for graduate students, professionals, and community members to become leaders in autism and developmental disabilities. The program’s goal is to strengthen systems of care and expand access to evidence-based, person- and family-centered services for people with IDD across the lifespan. Our LEND program is 1 of 62 programs nationwide and the only one in Upstate New York.
Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute
In June 2024, we announced a $50 million gift from Tom Golisano to build the Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute at URMC.
The new world-class transdisciplinary center will provide solutions to the health and quality of life issues that affect people with IDDs.
Specialized Care in Pediatrics
We provide evaluation and specialized healthcare for children with developmental challenges. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to improving the health and well-being of children, youth, and families affected by developmental and behavioral disorders.
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