Imagine millions of invisible neighbors living among us, and you'll begin to picture the 7.4 million adults with developmental disabilities in America—a vibrant community facing immense yet often hidden challenges that deserve our urgent attention and understanding.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 7.4 million adults aged 18 and older in the United States have developmental disabilities, accounting for about 2.8% of the adult population as of 2022 estimates.
- Among US adults with developmental disabilities, 15.3% are aged 65 or older, highlighting a growing aging population within this group per 2021 data.
- Non-Hispanic White adults comprise 58.2% of the US adult population with developmental disabilities, compared to 19.1% Hispanic and 16.4% Black adults in 2019.
- Employment rate for US adults with developmental disabilities is 21.3% in competitive integrated employment as of 2022.
- Adults with DD earn a median weekly wage of $220, 72% below non-disabled peers per 2023 BLS data.
- Only 19% of working-age adults with IDD are employed full-time, compared to 65% general population in 2021.
- Life expectancy for adults with developmental disabilities averages 66 years, 14 years less than general population per 2022 CDC data.
- 85% of adults with DD have at least one co-occurring chronic health condition like obesity or hypertension in 2023.
- Mortality rate from COVID-19 was 28.9 per 100,000 for adults with DD vs 12.5 general in 2021.
- 65% of adults with DD live in family homes, 85% with parents if under 50 per 2022 NCI-IDD.
- Only 15% of adults with DD live independently without supports in US per 2023 HUD data.
- 24% reside in institutional settings like ICFs, down from 40% in 1990 per 2021 CMS.
- Post-secondary education enrollment for adults with DD: 6%, completion 3% per 2022 Think College.
- Medicaid waiver enrollment: 650,000 adults with DD, 40% of eligible in 2023 CMS.
- Case management services reach 82% of adults with DD on state registries per 2021 NCI.
Millions of US adults with developmental disabilities face significant challenges across their lifespans.
Demographics and Prevalence
- Approximately 7.4 million adults aged 18 and older in the United States have developmental disabilities, accounting for about 2.8% of the adult population as of 2022 estimates.
- Among US adults with developmental disabilities, 15.3% are aged 65 or older, highlighting a growing aging population within this group per 2021 data.
- Non-Hispanic White adults comprise 58.2% of the US adult population with developmental disabilities, compared to 19.1% Hispanic and 16.4% Black adults in 2019.
- Women represent 52.7% of adults with developmental disabilities in the US, slightly higher than men at 47.3% based on 2020 National Core Indicators data.
- In California, 1 in 68 adults has an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD), equating to over 500,000 individuals as per 2023 state reports.
- Rural adults with developmental disabilities make up 21% of this population in the US, facing higher isolation rates than urban counterparts in 2022 surveys.
- 34% of adults with developmental disabilities live in households with incomes below the federal poverty level, per 2021 American Community Survey data.
- Autism spectrum disorder affects 1.85% of US adults, with 44% of those also having intellectual disabilities according to 2023 CDC estimates.
- Down syndrome prevalence among US adults is about 1 in 6,000, with roughly 400,000 living adults diagnosed as of 2022.
- 1.2 million US adults with developmental disabilities are veterans, representing 4.8% of all disabled veterans per VA 2021 reports.
- Immigrant adults with developmental disabilities in the US number around 850,000, or 11.5% of the total, based on 2020 Census analysis.
- In New York State, 85,000 adults with developmental disabilities receive state services, about 0.9% of the adult population in 2023.
- LGBTQ+ adults comprise 12% of those with developmental disabilities, higher than the general 7% population rate per 2022 GLSEN study.
- 28% of US adults with developmental disabilities have co-occurring mental health conditions, per 2021 NIMH data.
- Fragile X syndrome affects 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females among US adults, totaling about 40,000 individuals in 2022.
- In the UK, 1.1 million adults have learning disabilities, or 2% of the adult population, according to 2023 NHS Digital reports.
- Canadian adults with developmental disabilities number 500,000, representing 2.1% of adults per 2022 Statistics Canada data.
- Australian prevalence of intellectual disability in adults is 2.4%, affecting 450,000 people as of 2023 AIHW data.
- In Europe, 12 million adults live with intellectual developmental disorders, per 2022 Eurostat estimates.
- US adults with developmental disabilities from minority groups grew 15% from 2010-2020, per CDC tracking.
- 65% of US adults with developmental disabilities have mild IDD levels, 25% moderate, 8% severe, 2% profound per 2021 AAIDD data.
- Homeless adults with developmental disabilities represent 7% of the homeless population in major US cities, 2022 HUD report.
- 18% of incarcerated US adults have developmental disabilities, overrepresented compared to 2.8% general population per 2023 DOJ stats.
- In Texas, 120,000 adults with DD await services, a 20% increase since 2019 per state HHS data.
- 42% of adults with DD in the US are parents, but only 22% retain custody long-term per 2022 family studies.
- Prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in US adults is 5%, affecting 12 million, many undiagnosed per 2021 NIAAA.
- Only 1 in 3 adults with DD receive formal diagnosis post-childhood, per 2023 Autism Society report.
- In Florida, 67,000 adults with IDD live in the state, 0.7% prevalence per 2022 APD data.
- 55% of adults with DD have multiple disabilities, including mobility issues per 2021 Kessler Foundation survey.
Demographics and Prevalence Interpretation
While the statistics reveal a significant population of over 7.4 million American adults navigating developmental disabilities, they collectively underscore a sobering reality: this community, though diverse and resilient, faces disproportionate barriers to equity, from poverty and incarceration to healthcare access and social isolation, demanding a society-wide reckoning with its support structures.
Employment and Income
- Employment rate for US adults with developmental disabilities is 21.3% in competitive integrated employment as of 2022.
- Adults with DD earn a median weekly wage of $220, 72% below non-disabled peers per 2023 BLS data.
- Only 19% of working-age adults with IDD are employed full-time, compared to 65% general population in 2021.
- 58% of adults with developmental disabilities rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as primary income source in 2022.
- Unemployment rate among adults with DD stands at 78.7%, with underemployment at 15% per 2023 Special Olympics report.
- In sheltered workshops, 85% of adults with DD earn less than minimum wage, averaging $2.20/hour in 2021.
- 44% of employed adults with DD work in food services or retail, concentrated in low-wage sectors per BLS 2022.
- Self-employment among adults with DD is only 3.2%, despite 12% interest per 2023 Self Advocates survey.
- Median annual income for adults with DD is $12,950, vs $52,000 for non-disabled in 2022 ACS data.
- 67% of adults with DD exiting special education are unemployed one year later per 2021 IPS employment study.
- In Canada, employment rate for adults with DD is 28%, with 55% part-time per 2022 StatsCan.
- UK adults with learning disabilities have 5% competitive employment rate per 2023 Scope report.
- Vocational rehabilitation success rate for adults with DD is 52%, closing cases employed per 2022 RSA data.
- 72% of adults with DD want competitive jobs but only 24% achieve them per 2021 ANCOR survey.
- Wage subsidies used for 15% of DD employment placements in US states, boosting hires by 20% per 2023 DOL.
- Adults with DD in manufacturing jobs: 12%, earning avg $15/hr vs $18/hr peers in 2022.
- Poverty rate for adults with DD households is 37%, double the national average per 2021 Census.
- 31% of adults with DD receive food stamps (SNAP), highest among disability groups in 2023.
- Remote work adoption for DD adults post-COVID: 8%, lagging general 25% per 2022 Zoomerang study.
- Job retention rate after 2 years for supported employment: 62% for DD adults per 2021 MDRC.
- Adults with DD in tech jobs: under 2%, despite training programs per 2023 Code.org report.
- 76% of non-employed adults with DD cite lack of transportation as barrier per 2022 NCI.
- Entrepreneurs with DD: 1.5%, generating $500M revenue annually per 2021 Kauffman Foundation.
- In Australia, 22% employment rate for IDD adults, avg wage AUD 25k/year per 2023 ABS.
- 40% of adults with DD on Medicaid waivers work, earning under $10k/year per 2022 CMS.
- Unemployment duration avg 24 months for DD adults vs 5 months general per BLS 2023.
- 55% of employed DD adults work <20 hours/week per 2021 IPSE data.
Employment and Income Interpretation
These statistics reveal a frustratingly efficient system for recycling poverty among adults with developmental disabilities, where their proven ambition is routinely swapped for isolation and a paycheck that couldn't buy dignity, let alone a decent life.
Health and Mortality
- Life expectancy for adults with developmental disabilities averages 66 years, 14 years less than general population per 2022 CDC data.
- 85% of adults with DD have at least one co-occurring chronic health condition like obesity or hypertension in 2023.
- Mortality rate from COVID-19 was 28.9 per 100,000 for adults with DD vs 12.5 general in 2021.
- 42% of adults with DD experience epilepsy, with 30% seizure-free on meds per 2022 Epilepsy Foundation.
- Obesity rate among adults with DD is 35%, double the 17% general rate per 2023 NIH study.
- 67% of adults with DD have poor oral health, with untreated cavities in 49% per 2021 CDC.
- Mental health disorders affect 40% of adults with DD annually, anxiety top at 20% per 2022 NIMH.
- Cancer mortality 1.5 times higher in adults with DD due to late diagnosis per 2023 Lancet study.
- 25% of adults with DD smoke tobacco, higher than 14% general per 2021 SAMHSA survey.
- Dementia prevalence in adults with Down syndrome over 60 is 77%, vs 11% general per 2022 Alzheimer's Assoc.
- Unmet healthcare needs in 31% of adults with DD due to access barriers per 2023 HHS.
- Heart disease death rate 2x higher in DD adults per 2021 vital stats.
- 52% of adults with DD have vision impairments, 38% hearing per 2022 WHO.
- Suicide attempt rate 3x higher in DD adults at 7.5% lifetime per 2023 JAMA.
- 70% of adults with DD take at least one psychotropic medication per 2021 NCI.
- Pneumonia is leading cause of death, 6x rate in DD adults per 2022 BMJ.
- 44% report chronic pain, undertreated in 60% cases per 2023 Pain Med journal.
- Osteoporosis in 32% of adult females with DD post-50 per 2021 Endocrine Society.
- 28% hospitalization rate yearly for preventable conditions per 2022 AHRQ.
- Sleep disorders in 50-80% of adults with DD per 2023 Sleep Foundation.
Health and Mortality Interpretation
These stark statistics paint a grim, multi-system portrait of a healthcare landscape where adults with developmental disabilities are not merely living with their primary condition, but are being systematically worn down by a cascade of preventable and poorly managed secondary ailments.
Housing and Community Living
- 65% of adults with DD live in family homes, 85% with parents if under 50 per 2022 NCI-IDD.
- Only 15% of adults with DD live independently without supports in US per 2023 HUD data.
- 24% reside in institutional settings like ICFs, down from 40% in 1990 per 2021 CMS.
- Supported living arrangements house 18% of adults with DD, costing avg $50k/year per person 2022.
- Homelessness affects 1.5-2% of adults with DD annually, 3x general rate per 2023 NAEH.
- 72% of adults with DD want to live in own home, but only 12% do per 2021 Self-Advocacy survey.
- Group homes average 4 residents, serving 12% of DD adults per 2022 state waiver data.
- Transition to community living post-institution: 60% success rate per 2023 Olmstead enforcement.
- Housing costs consume 45% of income for DD adults in community per 2021 HUD affordability study.
- 35% live with non-family roommates in shared housing per 2022 I/DD housing census.
- In Canada, 52% of adults with DD live with family, 20% alone/semi-independently per 2023.
- UK: 49% in family homes, 23% supported tenancy for learning disabled adults 2022.
- Waitlists for residential services: 200,000+ US adults with DD per 2023 ARC.
- 80% of DD adults over 60 still live with parents due to lack of aging services per 2021 AARP.
- Affordable housing access: only 8% of units accessible for DD needs per 2022 Fair Housing.
- 41% report housing instability, frequent moves per 2023 NCI-IDD survey.
- Farmsteads/ intentional communities house 2% , growing model per 2022 Camphill report.
- Medicaid HCBS waivers fund 75% of community housing for DD adults 2021.
- 19% in crisis residential facilities temporarily per state data 2023.
- Homeownership rate: 1% for DD adults vs 65% general per 2022 Census.
- 62% of family caregivers aging out force housing transitions per 2021 Family Caregiver Alliance.
- Rural housing options limited, 70% family-dependent per 2023 Rural Institute.
- 27% overcrowding in DD family homes per 2022 ACS disability supplement.
- Australia: 75% family living, 10% group homes for IDD adults 2023.
- 14% of adults with DD receive 24/7 residential supports per 2023 NASDDDS.
Housing and Community Living Interpretation
The statistics paint a stark portrait of a system that, while having reduced institutionalization, now leaves a majority of adults with developmental disabilities marooned in familial homes well into late adulthood, desperately wanting their own homes but trapped by a catastrophic shortage of affordable, accessible housing and supports, forcing a life of expensive instability or precarious dependence.
Services and Support
- Post-secondary education enrollment for adults with DD: 6%, completion 3% per 2022 Think College.
- Medicaid waiver enrollment: 650,000 adults with DD, 40% of eligible in 2023 CMS.
- Case management services reach 82% of adults with DD on state registries per 2021 NCI.
- Day services utilization: 55% attend 20+ hours/week, 30% none per 2022 State of States.
- Supported employment services provided to 28% of working-age DD adults per 2023.
- Transportation services: 45% regular users, unmet need 35% per 2021 HHS.
- Behavioral support plans for 22% of adults with challenging behaviors per NCI 2022.
- Financial management assistance needed by 68%, provided to 40% per 2023 SSA.
- Assistive technology use: 52% smartphones, 28% communication devices per 2022 AbleData.
- Crisis intervention services accessed by 15% annually per 2021 state reports.
- Advocacy org membership: 12% of DD adults per 2023 Self Advocates.
- Respite care used by 25% of family caregivers for DD adults 2022.
- Telehealth services adoption: 60% post-2020, satisfaction 85% per 2023 CMS.
- Guardianship imposed on 50% of adults with DD, alternatives 20% per 2022 Bazelon.
- Peer mentoring programs reach 8% , improving outcomes 40% per 2021 Mentor study.
- Vocational rehab acceptance rate 65%, services completion 55% 2023 RSA.
- In-home personal care hours avg 40/week for 30% of DD adults per HCBS data.
- Self-determination funding options used by 15 states, 10% participants 2022.
- Dental services access: 55% regular checkups vs 75% general per 2023 CDC.
- 33% receive family support services like training per NCI 2022.
- Technology-based supports like apps used by 35%, reducing isolation 25% 2023.
- Wait time for HCBS services avg 4.2 years for DD adults per 2021 United Cerebral Palsy.
- Community integration programs serve 42%, engagement score avg 3.2/5 2022.
Services and Support Interpretation
The data paints a picture of a system where access is more a sparse patchwork of promising programs than a reliable safety net, as adults with developmental disabilities face a decade-long waiting game just to reach services that, even when available, are often underutilized or incomplete.
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