What CDC's Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Does

The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) is the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention devoted to the health and well-being of people affected by birth defects, developmental disabilities, blood disorders and disability. Its work is organized around four themes.

1. Saving babies by studying the causes of birth defects

Birth defects are common, costly and critical. The center runs state-based birth defects tracking and public health research, using the information to identify causes, find ways to prevent birth defects, and improve the health of people living with them. With states, academic centers, health care providers and other partners, it works toward the day when every baby is born as healthy as possible and every child thrives.

2. Helping children reach their potential

Autism and other developmental disabilities are among the most significant child health issues facing families and the nation. The center has stepped up its search for the causes of autism and for ways to meet the needs of families and communities:

• its tracking system gives an accurate picture of autism across the United States;
• it runs the largest study of its kind to better identify autism's risk factors and causes.

Better tracking, research and earlier identification are improving understanding of autism and outcomes for children, and the data guide national, state and local policy and planning so that children and families get the help they need.

3. Reducing complications of blood disorders and genetic conditions

Blood disorders affect millions of people in the United States every year, across every age, race, sex and income level. With prevention and early intervention, many of these disorders and their complications could be eliminated. The center works to:

• improve understanding of blood disorders and their complications;
• develop, carry out and evaluate prevention programs;
• get needed information to the public and health care providers;
• encourage action to improve quality of life for people affected.

4. Improving the health of people living with disabilities

People with disabilities need health care and health programs for the same reasons as anyone — to stay well, active and part of their community. The center works to make sure no one is left behind, so that people of all abilities can live life to the fullest. When children and adults with disabilities get the programs, services and care they need, they can enjoy a better quality of life and greater independence.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "About NCBDDD"; a work of the United States government in the public domain.