What is IDD?
IDD is a short way to talk about intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities. These disabilities begin while a person is developing.
What can IDD affect?
IDD may affect how a person learns, communicates, solves problems, moves, or does everyday activities.
- Learning new information
- Talking or communicating
- Planning and remembering
- Everyday tasks
Some examples of IDD
IDD is not one single thing. It is a group of conditions that begin during development. Some examples you may have heard of include:
- Down syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cerebral palsy
- Fragile X syndrome
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
When does IDD begin?
IDD begins during the developmental period—before a person is grown. It can start before birth, at birth, or in childhood. It is not something a person catches from someone else.
People are different
Some people need a little support. Other people need support more often. Support should fit the person—not the label.
Everyone can learn and grow
People with IDD keep learning, building skills, and reaching goals throughout life. The right support, patience, and tools help—and progress can look different for each person.
How to be a good support
Small, respectful choices help a person feel included and in control.
- Talk to the person directly, not only to their support
- Use clear, plain words and give time to answer
- Ask what help someone wants before helping
- Presume competence—believe the person can understand and decide
A disability is not the whole person
People with IDD have relationships, interests, work, goals, culture, humor, opinions, and the right to make choices.
Learn more from an official source: CDC: Developmental Disability Basics ↗