Funded continuously for more than 40 years, this research training program has influenced the depth and scope of the field of research on intellectual disabilities and related developmental disabilities. The program is funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Return to top Interdisciplinary Research Training Faced with the multicausal, complex nature of intellectual disabilities, research training must be interdisciplinary. A broad knowledge base in psychology, education, genetics, neuroscience, and biomedical and pediatric research is required in order for scientists to work within a truly interdisciplinary, collaborative context on problems with both biomedical and behavioral dimensions, such as fetal alcohol syndrome or autism. Program faculty represent diverse fields, and their research programs span a wide range of orientations and involve a broad range of methods.
Trainees participate in ongoing interdisciplinary research.
All trainees receive individualized program planning, participate in a monthly proseminar, attend interdisciplinary research colloquia by distinguished scientists, visit in small groups with national and international leaders in the field, and travel annually to a national research conference related to developmental disabilities. Predoctoral Training Predoctoral fellows pursue programs in psychology or special education. Through courses, a continuing lecture series, and participation in ongoing research, fellows receive a comprehensive introduction to contemporary behavioral research, as well as research in the neurological and biomedical sciences. Funding is continuous throughout the summer to facilitate immersion in research. Postdoctoral Training Postdoctoral fellows are behavioral scientists who want to develop specific competence in research on developmental disabilities.