What are treatments for intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs)?

If you suspect that your child has an IDD, you should first talk with the child’s healthcare provider. If the healthcare provider thinks there might be a problem, you should then see a developmental pediatrician or another specialist.

You can also contact your local early-intervention agency (for children under the age of 3 years) or public school (for children aged 3 years or older).1

In addition, your local school system can provide help in diagnosing a child’s condition and evaluating her/his educational needs as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which aims to ensure educational services to children with disabilities throughout the nation.2

To learn more about the IDEA, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html.

Citations

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Intellectual disability fact sheet. Retrieved August 9, 2012, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/facts-about-intellectual-disability.html
  2. U.S. Public Law 108-446, Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. (2004). Retrieved August 25, 2012, from http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-108publ446/html/PLAW-108publ446.htm
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