About the IHDD

Based in Seattle, Washington, the Institute on Human Development and Disabilities is a global leader in enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities through cutting-edge research, education, clinics, community involvement, and advocacy.

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Our Vision: A world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live, learn, work, and flourish in their own communities.

Photo of a child and student teacher working together in the Haring Center.

IHDD Mission

To support our vision through:

  • Conducting research to deepen our knowledge of complex issues​
  • Operating specialized clinics to support the unique and growing needs of individuals and families​
  • Training professionals to improve access to services​
  • Developing leaders to meet future challenges​
  • Creating dynamic programs to support education, employment, and independent living​
  • Engaging with community to understand the needs of the people we serve
Photo of a child and student teacher working together in the Haring Center.

Our Specialty Clinics

Photo of a young child standing on steps during a screening at an IHDD Clinic.

The IHDD Specialty Clinics provide comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluation and care for individuals and families living with the impact of neurodevelopmental disabilities. We provide evidence-based assessments, advocacy, and training using family-centered and culturally appropriate principles of care.

  • Adult Autism Clinic
  • UW Autism Center
  • Biochemical Genetics Clinic
  • Cardiac Neurodevelopment Clinic
  • Child Development Clinic
  • Down Syndrome Specialty Clinic
  • UW Employment Program
  • Adult Autism Clinic
  • UW Autism Center
  • Biochemical Genetics Clinic
  • Cardiac Neurodevelopment Clinic
  • Child Development Clinic
  • Down Syndrome Specialty Clinic
  • UW Employment Program
  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic & Prevention
  • Haring Center
  • Infant Development Follow-up Clinic
  • Late and Moderate Preterm Babies (LAMBS)
  • Pediatric Audiology Clinic
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU) Clinic
  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic & Prevention
  • Haring Center
  • Infant Development Follow-up Clinic
  • Late and Moderate Preterm Babies (LAMBS)
  • Pediatric Audiology Clinic
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU) Clinic
Photo of a young child standing on steps during a screening at an IHDD Clinic.
Photo in clinic of a Brain Imaging Core clinician working with a patient.

IHDD Center Grants

The Institute on Human Developmental Disabilities (IHDD) has three main components: the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), and The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) center (which is a program within the UCEDD).

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC)

The focus of the IDDRC is to discover ways to prevent and treat developmental disabilities and support childhood development. The IDDRC is one of 15 centers funded by the NIH and focuses on supporting scientific research that will help children and adults with disabilities live, learn, work, and enjoy their lives.

University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)

The UCEDD is one of 68 programs in the US and is focused on community service (including many clinics), advocacy, interdisciplinary training, and information dissemination.  

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)

The LEND program is one of 52 programs and is an interdisciplinary training program which prepares health professionals for leadership roles in providing health care for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families, and this is a part of the UCEDD. 

1969
The IHDD Opens on the University of Washington Campus
5
# of UCEDD Specialty Clinics and Service Programs
16999
Total IHDD Client Visits in 2020

Read more about the history of the IHDD.

Our Stories

Join us as we explore stories that exemplify the profound impact of UW IHDD’s work and the lives touched by its dedication to enhancing the well-being and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Photo of a toy airplane on a box in the children's play area in the IHDD Specialty Clinic lobby.

Preparing for Your Visit

Clinical services at IHDD serve individuals with or at risk for developmental, learning, and behavioral problems and their families. Clinics also serve adults with a variety of neurodegenerative disorders and related disabilities.

  • Map and Directions
  • How to Prepare for Your Appointment
  • Support Services
  • Billing and Insurance
Photo of a toy airplane on a box in the children's play area in the IHDD Specialty Clinic lobby.

Would you like to visit/train/research/learn more about us?

Located in Seattle Washington, the Institute on Human Development and Disabilities is internationally recognized for improving the lives of children, adolescents, and adults with or at risk for developmental disabilities through innovative research, education, interdisciplinary clinics, community engagement, and advocacy.