Intellectual and Developmental Disability

Our research in this area seeks to understand the origins of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, language delay, Down Syndrome, and Alzheimer’s Disease.
A woman with Down Syndrome laughs while sitting on a gray couch with an older female relative

Our research in this area seeks to understand the origins of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, language delay, Down Syndrome, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Our scientists are also integrally involved in the conception and implementation of interventions designed to enhance the quality of life, self-determination, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Featured Research: Fragile X Lab

The Fragile X Lab is runs what may be the longest study of individuals with Fragile X and their mothers. They are working to determine how the challenges, needs or successful transitions of individuals with Fragile X and their families evolve into young adulthood.
A mother with medium-length dark braids and teen child are working on a crafts project together at a table.

Research Highlights

students in classroom with one looking ahead and the other looking at a fellow student

Featured Project: ENHANCE

Project ENHANCE will conduct an efficacy trial of the Comprehensive, Integrated, Three-Tiered (Ci3T) model of prevention for elementary schools that integrates academic, behavioral, and social learning supports.
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News: Supporting Career Development

A new federally funded grant may help Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities while expanding the capacity of local communities throughout the state to support those individuals in their career development.
students in hallway with arms around each other

Publication: Promoting Implementation Fidelity of the SDMLI

For complex interventions, such as the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI), there is an ongoing need to refine conceptualizations of fidelity of implementation and the factors that influence it in inclusive educational contexts.

Our Research

The Life Span Institute was founded in the 1960s when the study of intellectual and developmental disabilities emerged nationally. Today, our work spans special education, technology, training, technical assistance, transition and more.
A pen sits on a notebook on a desk