Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD)

Key Research Areas

IHDD’s research programs focus on advancing the understanding and treatment of intellectual and developmental disabilities through interdisciplinary collaboration. Key research areas include: (1) Biologic Basis of Developmental Disorders, (2) Acquired Brain Injury and Repair, (3) Developmental Toxicology, (4) Epilepsy, (5) Hearing and Vision Disorders, (6) Autism - genetics, biomarkers & therapeutics, and (7) Development and Evaluation of Therapeutic Interventions.

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC) Cores

The University of Washington’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), based at the Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD), provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary research program in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The IDDRC empowers research affiliates by providing access to cutting-edge technologies and data analysis techniques. Core services provided include experimental design support, grant development, equipment and space access, staff training, research expertise and best practices, and the coordination of UW resources. We also provide support for early career researchers. Scientific core support facilities are as follows: (1) Animal Behavior, (2) Brain Imaging, (3) Clinical Translational, and (4) Genetics. Core values of Early Career Facilitation and Diversity and Equity thread through all our activities.

• Animal Behavior Core
  The Animal Behavior Core (ABC) provides an infrastructure for investigators to perform advanced and innovative functional assessments in rodent models to assist in understanding the origins and treatment of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The ABC supports efforts aimed at developing and characterizing novel rodent models of IDD that result from gene identification or gene modification research or environmental exposure studies performed by IDDRC Research Affiliates.  
• Brain Imaging Core
  The Brain Imaging Core (BIC) provides the technical foundation to support and promote interdisciplinary image-based neuroscience research in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). BIC seeks to enhance our basic science understanding of IDD and support our ultimate goals of early diagnosis, prevention, and new treatment methods by facilitating cutting-edge neuroimaging research and training. To accomplish our overall mission, BIC provides IDDRC Research Affiliates with extensive resources in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electrophysiology recordings (electroencephalography, EEG and magnetoencephalography, MEG), and positron emission tomography.  
• Clinical Translational Core
  The Clinical Translational Core functions as a service to IDDRC scientists to promote and support clinical and translational research in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
• Genetics Core
  The Genetics Core is designed to integrate cutting-edge genomic technologies into the research programs of investigators, to enhance the understanding of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and develop future treatments. The translational mission of our IDDRC includes supporting research aimed at identifying genetic causes of IDDs that will inform prognostic information, recurrence risk counseling, monitoring for associated medical complications, and supportive treatments.

University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Research Areas

The UW University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UW UCEDD) supports 4 core functions, including:

• Interdisciplinary Training
• Community Service
• Information Dissemination
• Research and Evaluation 

The UW UCEDD is authorized under the DD Act and is part of a network of 68 UCEDDs across the United States and territories. It is one of the three partners in the DD Network and works closely with the Washington State Developmental Disability Council and the Washington State Protection and Advocacy System—Disability Rights Washington. It connects with self-advocacy organizations in Washington State, including Allies in Advocacy, Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL), and People First of Washington as well as other advocacy organizations like the ARC of Washington.

The UW UCEDD hosts 7 programs listed below:

• Adults and Elders
  The purpose and goal of the Adults and Elders Program is to promote the health and overall quality of life of adults with developmental disabilities.
• UW Autism Center
  The UW Autism Center is one of the first autism centers to provide clinical services, professional training, and internationally recognized research.
• Center for Technology and Disability
  The Center for Technology and Disability focuses on a broad range of topics related to disability and the supportive use of technology.
• Clinical Training Unit
  The Clinical Training Unit (CTU) provides training, research, and exemplary services in the diagnosis and treatment of children with developmental disabilities.
• Community Disability Policy Initiative
  The Community Disability Policy Initiative (CDPI) is designed to bring about systematic change that increases the awareness about and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Genetics Program
  The Genetics Program serves individuals with a genetic disorder or disability. Clinics offer diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and counseling services.
• The Haring Center
  The Norris and Dorothy Haring Center for Research and Training in Inclusive Education provides early childhood education to children with and without disabilities.

 

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Research

UW LEND is located at the University of Washington, Institute on Human Development and Disability, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD).  The UW LEND serves as a center of excellence preparing the next generation of leaders to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in achieving their full potential.

The UW LEND is an interdisciplinary training program committed to preparing graduate students, post-graduate fellows, mid-career health professionals, family members and self-advocates to:

• Practice interdisciplinary care for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
• Practice family-centered care that is responsive to the diversity of the community and promotes inclusion and equity.
• Advocate for systems and policies that best serve individuals with a developmental disability.
• Assume leadership roles.

UW LEND is funded under the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support (CARES) Act, administered by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), as a part of a national network of LEND programs.