We are interested in applications that align with the following research priorities. For more information about NICHD’s research themes, cross-cutting topics, and aspirational goals, visit the plan’s Scientific Research Themes and Objectives.
Understand the Molecular, Cellular, and Structural Basis of IDDs
Strategic Plan Theme 1: Understanding the Molecular, Cellular, and Structural Basis of Development
Strategic Plan Aspirational Goal: Facilitate application of precision medicine approaches in children
Gap: At present, the field is hindered by a lack of understanding of the etiology of IDDs, especially genetic and epigenetic causes such as the role of gene regulatory networks and the interactions between genes and environmental exposures that can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Priority: Interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on new genomic and other ‘omics technologies that will shed light on the molecular, cellular, and environmental events that determine the structure and function of the nervous system and contribute to the cognitive and behavioral manifestations of IDDs, including Down, Fragile X, and Rett syndromes; inborn errors of metabolism; and autism spectrum disorders.
Improve Screening and Early Diagnosis for IDD Conditions to Develop Early Interventions and Treatments
Strategic Plan Theme 4: Improving Child and Adolescent Health and the Transition to Adulthood
Strategic Plan Cross-Cutting Topics: Disease Prevention, Global Health
Gap: Evidence is needed to demonstrate that early screening and intervention can reduce morbidity and mortality domestically and globally and can improve long-term outcomes for those with IDDs and conditions identifiable by newborn screening, including genetic syndromes, inborn errors of metabolism, autism spectrum disorders, and others.
Priority: Research on the development and/or implementation of new and existing screening tests for the pre-pregnancy, prenatal, newborn, and early childhood periods that evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of translating these tools into clinical care and the public health setting.
Understand the Complexity of Co-occurring Symptoms in IDD Conditions
Strategic Plan Theme 4: Improving Child and Adolescent Health and the Transition to Adulthood
Gap: To develop interventions for improving daily functioning and health among individuals with IDDs, particularly those with moderate to profound cognitive or adaptive impairment, more knowledge is needed about the co-occurring symptoms of these disabilities, especially as they pertain to physical, social, and emotional development, and as influenced by cultural, social, or access issues.
Priority: Research on co-occurring conditions of IDDs, including disordered sleep, self-injurious behaviors, obesity, gastrointestinal dysfunction, seizures/epilepsy, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, psychosis, and other mental health disorders to improve health outcomes among those with IDDs.
Understand the Natural History of Neurobiological and Behavioral Transitions in IDDs
Strategic Plan Theme 4: Improving Child and Adolescent Health and the Transition to Adulthood
Strategic Plan Aspirational Goal: Identify biomarkers of atypical neurodevelopment to establish likelihood of neurodegenerative disorders later in life.
Gap: The natural history of many IDD conditions is poorly understood. There is a lack of best practices to improve the transition of adolescents with IDDs to adult healthcare providers and services.
Priority: Research that examines transitional time periods of interest for IDDs, including pre-symptomatic, adolescence to adulthood, middle adulthood to aging (e.g., to address the high prevalence of dementia in IDD populations), as well as the role of exposures to social and environmental factors, such as diet and nutrition, technology and digital media use, sleep habits, physical activity, and infectious agents on health outcomes in the IDD population.
Develop and Test Biomarkers and Outcome Measures for Use in Clinical Trials for IDDs
Strategic Plan Theme 5: Advancing Safe and Effective Therapeutics and Devices for Pregnant and Lactating Women, Children, and People with Disabilities
Gap: The field lacks valid and rigorous biomarkers and outcome measures for use in clinical trials related to IDDs, which results in many existing therapeutics not being adequately tested for the specific needs of people with IDDs.
Priority: Research that identifies specialized biomarkers, new modeling approaches, and improved outcome measures for IDD symptoms, severity assessments, and treatments, especially outcomes targeting cognitive (including language), behavioral (adaptive or maladaptive), social-environmental, and medical issues.
Promote Translational and Implementation Research to Develop Safe and Effective Therapeutics and Devices for People with IDDs
Strategic Plan Theme 5: Advancing Safe and Effective Therapeutics and Devices for Pregnant and Lactating Women, Children, and People with Disabilities
Gap: Few specific and effective treatments exist for those with IDDs. The field needs adequate drug metabolism studies, as well as research to evaluate the effectiveness and risks of polypharmacy, to ensure that these treatments meet the needs of people with IDD conditions.
Priority: Promote the development, evaluation, dissemination, and implementation of interventions, including pharmacologic treatments, assistive and medical devices, and technologies, that will impact clinical care, optimize function, and improve quality of life for physiological, cognitive, and behavioral manifestations of IDDs.