Institute on Human Development and Disability

The University of Washington Autism Center held its annual benefit on Dec. 5, 2025, to raise funds for autism research and support programs. The event featured keynote speakers, including renowned autism advocates and researchers, who shared insights on the latest developments in autism treatment...

A new initiative focuses on early mobility innovation for young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This program aims to improve the mobility options available to these children, recognizing that mobility is crucial for their development and independence. By introduci...

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is seeking public input on disability training programs to enhance the effectiveness of services provided to individuals with disabilities. This initiative aims to gather insights from various stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities, families...

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) celebrates its anniversary, highlighting its crucial role in promoting inclusive education for students with disabilities. The act ensures access to a free appropriate public education and mandates that schools provide necessary services and ...

On Giving Tuesday, the focus is on enhancing the Clinic Support Program, which provides critical resources and support for clinics serving individuals with disabilities. Donations made on this day will directly impact the availability and quality of services offered to the community. The Clinic S...

Down Syndrome Connect has released a roundup of recent research studies focused on Down syndrome. The studies cover a range of topics, including the impact of early intervention, advancements in educational strategies, and the effectiveness of various therapeutic approaches. One key finding empha...

Families in Washington seeking inclusive winter activities can explore a range of sensory-friendly events designed to accommodate those with sensory sensitivities. These events feature adaptations such as softer lighting, lower sound levels, and quiet break spaces. Highlights include:

Alice Wong, a prominent disability justice advocate, author, and founder of the Disability Visibility Project, passed away on Nov. 14 at the age of 51. Renowned for her leadership in amplifying disabled voices, Wong challenged ableist systems across health care, policy, and media. In 2014, she es...

Ben Moore’s journey to medicine began in early childhood, participating in programs at what is now the Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) at the University of Washington (UW). He later re-engaged with the UW community through the UW LEND program, initially as a self-advocate tra...

The Language, Assistive Technology, and Autism (LATA) Lab at The Ohio State University is conducting a research study aimed at parents and legal guardians of transition-age AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users, specifically those aged 14 to 22. This study, approved by the OSU In...

KUOW recently emphasized the significance of early autism diagnosis and the need for access to evidence-based supports. Dr. Annette Estes, director of the UW Autism Center, stated that autism can often be identified by age 2. However, many families encounter long wait times for evaluations and fa...

The IHDD is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Pilot Grant Program, which offers up to $10,000 to support innovative research in intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Projects must utilize one or more of the IDDRC cores: Brain Structure and Function, Genomics, and Clinical Tran...

The University of Washington Athletics and the UW Women’s Basketball team are collaborating with the UW Autism Center to host the first Sensory Friendly Game at Alaska Airlines Arena on Nov. 23 at 2 p.m., featuring the Huskies against Vermont. This event will provide sensory tables with calming a...

Join a free webinar hosted by the UW Autism Center (UWAC) focused on identifying and differentiating autism symptoms in infants and toddlers. Led by two psychology residents, the session will equip participants with the skills to recognize early signs of autism in social, communication, and behav...