World Psychiatric Association Section on Psychiatry of Intellectual and Developmental Disorders (SPIDD). Intellectual and developmental disorders and disabilities including autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed during the developmental period, and frequently present with co-occurring other mental disorders in persons of any age. Intellectual/developmental disorders present the prospect of lifelong disabilities. The underlying developmental and genetic factors in conjunction with environmental risk factors and inequalities in societal supports play an important role.

There is a crucial need to involve the broad global community to help guide the prospect of improved preventive interventions, early diagnosis, as well as targeted habilitative and rehabilitative services and societal inclusion across the lifespan across classes, cultures, and ethnicities. The SPIDD desires to reach a larger community of mental health experts and to connect with other Sections to promote our knowledge and ideas, and to obtain valuable input from others.