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Intellectual and Developmental Disability at Stanford

Intellectual and Developmental Disability at Stanford

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Learn more about Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

What are Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?

Intellectual and developmental disabilities, also known as IDDs, are a subset of disabilities. Developmental disabilities are conditions/ disorders that cause limitations in intellectual, physical, neurological, and/ or sensory functioning. Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disability affecting intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. IDD typically refers to when both intellectual and developmental disabilities are present.

Some examples include: Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Global Developmental Delay (GDD)

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Get Involved in the Community

Volunteer with local organizations serving the local IDD population including Special Olympics Northern California, HOPE Services, Magical Bridge Foundation, and more!

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Key Facts

  • 1-3% of the global population has an IDD.
  • Not all causes of IDD are known are understood. Some of the known causes of IDD include genetic mutations, additions, or deletions, prenatal exposure to substances, toxins, or infections, complications during birth, and environmental factors.
  • While you are typically born with an Intellectual/ Developmental Disability, an Intellectual Disability can develop up until the age of 18, while a Developmental Disability can develop up until the age of 22.
  • Some challenges with having an IDD include communication, social interactions, self-care, and independent living.
  • Intellectual Disabilities are more common in low income countries, as are disabilities in general.
  • Individuals with an IDD are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, victimization, and early death.

How You Can Make a Difference

  • Stay up to date on disability research, news and policies.
  • Talk with people who have a disability and ask how you can be an ally, respectfully.
  • Get involved in events and volunteer work with the IDD community.
  • Call out ableism when you see it and stand up for those in the disabled community who can't stand up for themselves.

Last but not least ...

IDD in the News

Quarterly IDD Brunches

A tall man at a podium speaking. He is outdoors.
Our first guest speaker: David Solo from Special Olympics Northern California
A group of people sit in a class room in front of large TV screen and a woman leading them in a trivia game that is on the TV.
This brunch was held at Stanford's DisCo Space. Pictured is Sydney Walls leading attendees through a Disability History and Disability Pride trivia game. Justin Steinberg was the speaker for this brunch as he shared what Disability Pride meant to him.
A long table with a red table cloth has a buffet of breakfast food on top.
Ada's Cafe catered this IDD Brunch with an assortment of yummy pastries, frittatas, yogurt, fruit, and juice!

Creation of this website is part of a project that was launched with funds awarded by Stanford’s Office of Community Engagement