Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.

The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov.

Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at OPM.gov.

What causes intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs)?

IDDs have a variety of causes. Some possible causes include (but are not limited to):1,2,3

  • Genetic mutations, additions, or deletions: for example, most cases of Rett syndrome are caused by a change in the Methly-CpG-binding Protein 2 (MECP2) gene
  • Chromosome abnormalities, such as an extra chromosome or a missing chromosome: for example, Down syndrome results from having an extra copy or part of a copy of chromosome 21
  • Exposure to certain substances while in the womb: for example, exposure to alcohol while in the womb can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
  • Infections during pregnancy: for example, infants whose mothers had cytomegalovirus during pregnancy may have hearing, vision, and neurological problems
  • Problems during childbirth: for example, an umbilical cord that gets wrapped around a baby’s neck during delivery could cut off the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain resulting in IDDs
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Preterm birth

Citations

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (July 30, 2012). Health issues: Outlook for children with intellectual disabilities. Retrieved August 9, 2012, from http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/developmental-disabilities/Pages/Outlook-for-Children-with-Intellectual-Disabilities.aspx external link
  2. National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY). (January, 2011). NICHCY disability fact sheet #8: Intellectual disabilities. Retrieved August 9, 2012, from https://www.parentcenterhub.org/intellectual/ external link
  3. American Academy of Pediatrics. (July 30, 2012). Health issues: Children with intellectual disabilities. Retrieved August 9, 2012, from http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/developmental-disabilities/Pages/Intellectual-Disability.aspx external link
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