Investigators
Helen Leonard, Jenny Bourke, Kingsley Wong, Emma Glasson
Project description
The IDEA database is a population-based resource containing data on children born in Western Australia since 1983 who have been identified with an intellectual disability. IDEA data show approximately 2% of children (1 in 50) are diagnosed with an intellectual disability. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder, both with and without intellectual disability, are also included in the database and we have found a similar prevalence of one in 50 individuals diagnosed with autism. IDEA has supported a wide range of studies relating to risk factors for intellectual disability and outcomes for affected children and their families. Recent studies have investigated later neurodevelopmental outcomes for children with congenital heart defects and the impact of intimate partner violence on children’s outcomes. Previous research found that the earlier in pregnancy a child is born, the greater the risk of major disability or death, but that the risk is also influenced by other factors such as their Apgar score at birth, birthweight, sex and socioeconomic status. The longevity of IDEA now allows intergenerational perspectives. For example, one study found mothers with an intellectual disability were more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions and their infants more likely to be born preterm, indicating these mothers may need additional support in the antenatal and postnatal periods.
External partners
- Department of Communities (formerly Disability Services Commission)
- Department of Education WA
- National Disability Insurance Agency
- Stan Perron Charitable Foundation