Washington University Center for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Washington University Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center
This center brings together labs and clinics to better understand and develop tests, treatments, and supports for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11405221 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
At Washington University, scientists and clinicians work together to study brain development and behavior in autism and related intellectual and developmental disabilities. They combine brain imaging, cell-based and animal models, genetics, biomarker testing, and long-term natural history studies to link molecular and circuit changes to real-world symptoms. A new clinical trials and natural history unit will recruit families, collect clinical and biological data, and support early-stage treatment studies. The goal is to move promising lab discoveries toward practical diagnostics and therapies for affected children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children and families affected by autism spectrum disorder or other intellectual and developmental disabilities—particularly young children (including ages 0–11) who can provide clinical information, attend visits, or contribute biological samples—are most likely to be eligible.
Not a fit: People without an intellectual or developmental disability or those unable or unwilling to travel for visits or provide medical records and samples are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce better diagnostics, targeted therapies, and improved care strategies for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
How similar studies have performed: Related multidisciplinary center programs have successfully identified genetic causes and biomarkers and have supported clinical trials, although many specific treatments for IDDs remain experimental.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dougherty, Joseph D — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Dougherty, Joseph D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.