“Neurodevelopmental disorders” (NDD) are childhood-onset genetic or acquired chronic health conditions that interfere with various functions of the brain. An approved medical specialty (Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics) which comprehensively addresses these conditions in children has existed in the United States since 1999; however, accredited Medical School programs designed to train specialist physicians (who treat adults) in the research, teaching, and service of health conditions of adults with neurodevelopmental disorders still do not exist. The aims of this report are 1) to explain historically the reasons for these health deficiencies in adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders and 2) how they might be corrected. We conclude that by following the example of Developmental Pediatrics for children, improvement of health services for adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders could begin by funding of “Quality Improvement” grants awarded to Family Medicine departments (Carek 2021), with the stipulation that recipients of these grants meet regularly to share outcomes and to establish education, research and services which address health conditions frequently encountered in these medically underserved special adults. These endeavors would eventually lead to an expanded evidence-based practice and improved patient health outcomes.

Keywords: Intellectual Disability, Healthcare, Quality Improvement