The American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry

11/05/2025

Webinar Alert: Strategies to Improve Access to Preventative Dental Care for Adults With IDD
December 10, 2025 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Presenters:
-Allen Wong, DDS, EdD, DABSCD
University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
-John Berens, MD, FAAP, FACP
Baylor College of Medicine
- David Fray, DDS, MBA
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry
-Loukia Tsami, MA
University of Houston, Clear Lake

In this webinar speakers will discuss:
Findings from their most recent article, Preliminary Results of an Interdisciplinary Behavioral Program to Improve Access to Preventative Dental Care for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Work on preventative care in Tennessee and Michigan done by a Professor Emeritus from the University of the Pacific's Dugoni School of Dentistry

Register here: https://mms.aaidd.org/members/evr/reg_event.php?orgcode=AAID&evid=59167697

11/03/2025

Surprise! Breakout submissions will now be accepted an additional week. Submit yours now: https://form.jotform.com/252516337973161

Our 2026 conference theme is “Saddle Up! Together We Thrive.” Join us as we traverse the changing landscape of IDD and explore how we can not only survive during times of change, but how we can thrive.

We want to hear how your resilience, courage and innovation are helping you thrive in the ever-changing world of IDD Health. Submit a presentation through any of our five tracks:

- Advocacy
- Curriculum
- Complexities in IDD
- Technology & Behavior
- Clinical

11/03/2025

💜 November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month!

At AADMD, we’re — standing with everyone affected by epilepsy, including many in the IDD community.

Fast facts:
• 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy.
• 3.4 million Americans live with it—456,000 are children.
• Stigma and misinformation still persist.

This month, join us by:
💜 Wearing purple
📣 Sharing facts and stories
🩺 Learning seizure first aid

Together, we can create a world where everyone with epilepsy—and IDD—is seen, supported, and safe.

10/30/2025

Breakout submissions are due tomorrow! AADMD’s 2026 One Voice Conference is headed to Texas and our theme is “Saddle Up! Together We Thrive.” We’ll traverse the changing landscape of IDD together and explore how we can not only survive during times of change, but how we can thrive. Join us as we map out the route to IDD Health through our five tracks. Submit now at https://form.jotform.com/252516337973161

10/29/2025

How Can You Help Make Halloween more Accessible? Here are some tips:
- Not everyone can eat candy, so consider stocking some non-edible treats such as stickers, pencils, crayons, small toys, etc. stored in a bowl separate from your edible treats.
- You may see trick-or-treaters that appear older, but that doesn't mean that aren't excited about your treats!
- Some trick-or-treaters may not be able to see what they are getting. Consider explaining to them the delightful treat you're providing.
- Not everyone communicates in the same way. Just be patient and understanding. The children and their caregivers will appreciate it.

Read more at https://ow.ly/oGzK50XiEiQ

10/28/2025

Our colleagues and those individuals we serve in Jamaica are on our minds and in our prayers. ❤️

🌍 Global Collaboration in Action! 🇯🇲

Recently, AADMD was proud to take part in the Caribbean Global Health Conference in Jamaica — an incredible gathering focused on advancing IDD healthcare across the region.

Board Member Dr. Seth Keller presented a Project ECHO session
Keynote Address delivered by Prof. Mark Wolff, UPENN
Dr. Vincent Siasoco and Dr. Steve Perlman, also AADMD Board Members, were in attendance—sharing expertise, strengthening partnerships, and championing global collaboration in IDD healthcare...
And so much more!

We’re honored to see our leaders representing AADMD internationally and helping expand access, education, and understanding for all. 🌎💙

10/27/2025

We were thrilled to have our Board President, Dr. Dian Chin Kit‑Wells, attend the recent fundraiser hosted by Positive Exposure in New York City on October 23, 2025.

It was an inspiring evening—connecting with dedicated advocates, learning about new initiatives promoting dignity and representation, and celebrating the power of inclusive storytelling.

Thank you to all the hosts, attendees, and supporters for making it such a meaningful evening. We’re already looking forward to collaborating further with Positive Exposure and continuing the momentum together!

10/24/2025

Big news: National Down Syndrome Society Launches CARE Down Syndrome

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is proud to announce the launch of its initiative, CARE Down Syndrome, a comprehensive, free online clinical education and resource hub designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to deliver exceptional care to adults with Down syndrome.

Read more:

Human Rights Organization for Individuals with Down syndrome

10/22/2025

From our friends at Special Care Dentistry Association - SCDA

ADPD Webinar:
Pharmacological Innovations in Special Care Dentistry
Tonight, October 22, 2025 | 7pm Eastern
Register: https://www.scdacon.org/september2025-1

Join Dr. Jayne S. Reuben for a dynamic 50-minute session on emerging pharmacological therapies. This talk explores new FDA-approved medications and their implications for dental care in all patients particularly those requiring special care. Attendees will gain insights into pain management, diabetes and obesity drug impacts, sedation strategies, and case-based applications. Ideal for dentists, specialists, and healthcare providers seeking to enhance care for special needs populations.

10/22/2025

Don't miss this important deadline! Submit a presentation or poster for consideration at the AADMD One Voice Conference, June 4-7, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.

AADMD’s 2026 One Voice Conference is headed to Texas and our theme is “Saddle Up! Together We Thrive.” We’ll traverse the changing landscape of IDD together and explore how we can not only survive during times of change, but how we can thrive. Join us as we map out the route to IDD Health through our five tracks:

Advocacy
This track emphasizes the vital role advocacy plays in improving the lives and health outcomes of people with IDD. Sessions will highlight strategies for systems change, policy development, and self-advocacy that amplify voices and drive progress.

Curriculum
This track showcases innovative approaches to developing and strengthening educational curriculum that centers people with IDD. Proposals may include work by educators, health professionals, and individuals with lived experience that expands training opportunities, builds interprofessional collaboration, and reimagines how IDD-focused education can shape the next generation of leaders.

Complexities in IDD
This track examines how overlapping identities and disabilities— shape the experiences of people with IDD in a clinical, social, and cultural context. Sessions will focus on improving IDD health by addressing “double disparities” and highlighting ideas, projects, and research that work to dismantle barriers and foster person-centered care.

Technology & Behavior
This track explores the ways in which emerging technologies and behavioral health practices can transform care for people with IDD. Proposals might highlight tools that support communication, independence, and access, as well as research and strategies that integrate behavioral supports with innovative technology to improve quality of life.

Clinical
This track provides opportunities to build and refine skills in delivering high-quality clinical care for people with IDD. Proposals may share best practices, clinical innovations, and promising research that enhance patient care, while also equipping providers with practical strategies to better serve diverse populations.

Submit here: https://form.jotform.com/252516337973161

10/21/2025

What a fantastic resource! So proud to endorse this and share with our network.

10/16/2025

Our 2026 conference theme is “Saddle Up! Together We Thrive.” Join us as we traverse the changing landscape of IDD and explore how we can not only survive during times of change, but how we can thrive.

We want to hear how your resilience, courage and innovation are helping you thrive in the ever-changing world of IDD Health. Submit a presentation through any of our five tracks:
- Advocacy
- Curriculum
- Complexities in IDD
- Technology & Behavior
- Clinical

Submit now: https://form.jotform.com/252516337973161