From the Desk of Dr. Craig Escudé
Throughout my career, I’ve been guided by a single, unwavering belief: that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) deserve the same opportunity as anyone else to live healthy, fulfilling, and self-directed lives. That belief has shaped everything I do—and it continues to drive the work of IntellectAbility.
I’ve seen what happens when care is delivered through a person-centered lens. When we move beyond checklists and diagnoses to see the whole person—their strengths, preferences, and humanity—we unlock something truly powerful. We don’t just improve health outcomes; we restore dignity, build confidence, and nurture connection.
This space is where I share reflections, insights, and stories that come from years of experience in the field, from listening to people with IDD and the people who support them. My goal is simple: to encourage better understanding, spark meaningful dialogue, and help lead a broader shift toward care that transforms lives—not just systems.
Thank you for being part of this mission.
Dr. Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM, FAAIDD
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The Hidden Danger of Aspiration Pneumonia
The Hidden Danger of Aspiration Pneumonia: How a Preventable Condition Led to a Costly Hospitalization For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), maintaining good health requires careful attention to their unique medical risks. Unfortunately, gaps in caregiver training, lack of preventive strategies, and delayed medical intervention often result in severe and costly complications. One such threat is aspiration pneumonia,
How One Preventable Emergency Cost Over $450,000
How One Preventable Emergency Cost Over $450,000 Written by Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), proper healthcare is essential to maintaining their quality of life. However, systemic barriers, medical neglect, and inadequate preventive care often lead to severe health complications that could have been avoided. One frequently overlooked issue is gut health, particularly
Training Support Staff: Four Reasons to Do It and Free Resources to Help
Training Support Staff: Four Reasons to Do It and Free Resources to Help Written by Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM Providing quality support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) requires a well-trained and knowledgeable workforce. Support staff play a critical role in ensuring the well-being, dignity, and independence of the people they serve. Proper training empowers these professionals
Seven Trends to Look For in 2025 in Supporting Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Seven Trends to Look For in 2025 in Supporting Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Written by Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM Person-Centered Approaches at the Forefront The person-centered philosophy will continue to be central to IDD support. In 2025, expect an even greater emphasis on tailoring services to meet people’s unique needs, preferences, and goals. This approach prioritizes
Unlocking Behaviors: Psychiatric Symptoms
Unlocking Behaviors: Psychiatric Symptoms Co-written by Risley “Ley” Linder, MA, MED, BCBA & Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM This article is part of a co-authored series on behavioral presentations in which a physician and a behavior analyst provide insight into real-life case studies to share their expertise on how cogntivie changes can be addressed in an interdisciplinary fashion. Jerome is
Unlocking Behaviors: Cognitive Changes
Unlocking Behaviors: Cognitive Changes Co-written by Risley “Ley” Linder, MA, MED, BCBA & Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM This article is part of a co-authored series on behavioral presentations in which a physician and a behavior analyst provide insight into real-life case studies to share their expertise on how cogntivie changes can be addressed in an interdisciplinary fashion. Jamie is
