What causes IDDs?
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Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) have a variety of causes. Some possible causes include (but are not limited to):1,2,3
- Genetic mutations, additions, or deletions: for example, most cases of Rett syndrome are caused by a change in the Methly-CpG-binding Protein 2 (MECP2) gene
- Chromosome abnormalities, such as an extra chromosome or a missing chromosome: for example, Down syndrome [link to topic] results from having an extra copy or part of a copy of chromosome 21
- Exposure to certain substances while in the womb: for example, exposure to alcohol while in the womb can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
- Infections during pregnancy: for example, infants whose mothers had cytomegalovirus during pregnancy may have hearing, vision, and neurological problems
- Problems during childbirth: for example, an umbilical cord that gets wrapped around a baby’s neck during delivery could cut off the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain resulting in IDDs
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Preterm birth
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (July 30, 2012). Health issues: Outlook for children with intellectual disabilities. Retrieved August 9, 2012, from http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/developmental-disabilities/pages/Outlook-for-Children-with-Intellectual-Disabilities.aspx [top]
- National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY). (January, 2011). NICHCY disability fact sheet #8: Intellectual disabilities. Retrieved August 9, 2012, from http://nichcy.org/disability/specific/intellectual [PDF for Factsheet #8: http://nichcy.org/wp-content/uploads/docs/fs8.pdf (PDF - 123 KB)] [top]
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (July 30, 2012). Health issues: Intellectual disability. Retrieved August 9, 2012, from http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/developmental-disabilities/pages/Intellectual-Disability.aspx [top]
Last Updated Date: 11/30/2012
Last Reviewed Date: 11/30/2012