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From Discovery to Impact: IHDD Networking Day 2025
On May 12, 2025, the UW IHDD hosted Networking Day, bringing together students, researchers, clinicians, and community partners to share knowledge, build connections, and highlight work advancing the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The day began with a powerful series of Lightning Talks, covering topics such as infant brain diagnostics, autism gene function, zebrafish models of social behavior, and justice-focused support for adults with IDD. Several of our IHDD Pilot Grant recipients presented during this session, sharing early-stage work that is already pushing boundaries in autism, neurodevelopment, and health equity.
We were honored to welcome Dr. Dimitri Christakis as keynote speaker. A nationally recognized leader in pediatrics and health equity, Dr. Christakis shared insights on early childhood development and inclusive global health strategies for individuals with IDD.
We also hosted poster and oral presentations that explored diverse areas of research, including neuroprotective strategies, caregiver support, gene-environment interactions, and access to developmental services across Washington State.
Thank you to all presenters, attendees, and collaborators who helped make IHDD Networking Day 2025 a success. Your contributions are helping translate research into real-world impact for individuals with IDD and their families.
