What is IDD?

Learn more about Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and who it affects. Living the Dream University is dedicated to providing educational opportunities and support for adults with IDD.

Understanding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

What are Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are a group of conditions that appear before the age of 22 and are likely to be lifelong. These conditions can impact a person’s ability to learn, communicate, move, or live independently. IDD is an umbrella term that includes both intellectual disabilities (such as Down syndrome) and developmental disabilities (such as autism spectrum disorder or cerebral palsy).

Intellectual Disabilities

An intellectual disability (ID) is characterized by significant limitations in:

 

  • Intellectual functioning – skills such as reasoning, problem-solving, and learning.

  • Adaptive behavior – everyday skills needed for communication, social interaction, and independent living.

People with ID often require varying levels of support, but with the right opportunities, they can achieve meaningful goals in education, employment, and community life (Schalock et al., 2021).

Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities (DD) are conditions caused by physical, learning, language, or behavioral differences. While some developmental disabilities also include intellectual challenges, others may not. For example, individuals with cerebral palsy may have normal intelligence but still experience physical challenges (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023).

Examples of developmental disabilities include:

 

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Epilepsy

  • Muscular dystrophy

  • Traumatic brain injury (if it occurs before age 22)

Why Understanding IDD Matters

  • Every person is unique. People with IDD have individual strengths, abilities, and talents that should be recognized and supported.

  • Inclusion matters. Access to education, employment, and community life helps people with IDD thrive.

  • Support makes a difference. With appropriate resources and opportunities, people with IDD can live fulfilling, independent, and meaningful lives (American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities [AAIDD], 2022).

Living the Dream University’s Commitment

At Living the Dream University, we believe education should be inclusive. Our mission is to provide adults with IDD the opportunity to continue learning, building skills, and pursuing their dreams. Through small class sizes, individualized instruction, and supportive services, we create an environment where every student is valued and empowered to succeed.

References (APA 7)

American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. (2022). Definition of intellectual disability. https://www.aaidd.org/intellectual-disability/definition

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 9). Developmental disabilities. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/facts.html

 

Schalock, R. L., Borthwick-Duffy, S. A., Bradley, V. J., Buntinx, W. H., Coulter, D. L., Craig, E. M., Gomez, S. C., Lachapelle, Y., Luckasson, R. A., Reeve, A., Shogren, K. A., Snell, M. E., Spreat, S., Tassé, M. J., Thompson, J. R., Verdugo, M. A., Wehmeyer, M. L., & Yeager, M. H. (2021). Intellectual disability: Definition, classification, and systems of supports (12th ed.). American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.