The NICHD has a long-standing history of supporting and conducting diverse research on Down syndrome and other types of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). The Institute’s portfolio on Down syndrome includes studies of diagnosis, pathophysiology, treatments, and comorbid conditions, meaning conditions that exist simultaneously with and usually independently of other medical conditions. In addition, the NICHD provides funding support to help build research infrastructure related to studies of IDDs and Down syndrome.
The NICHD also leads the Down Syndrome Consortium, a collaboration among public and private groups created to foster information exchange on biomedical and biobehavioral research on Down syndrome.