About AFRID

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has reported that over half a million people live with an intellectual disability, and more than 20 people each day are diagnosed with an intellectual disability.

An intellectual disability is characterised by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour which covers social and practical skills.

An intellectual disability can be caused by a head injury or illness, or by a wide number of genetic or inherited conditions such as Down syndrome, autism, Prader-Willi syndrome, cerebral palsy and Fragile X syndrome.

The Apex Foundation for Research into Intellectual Disabilities (AFRID) was formed in 1967 to support research into intellectual disability. AFRID’s main objectives are to prevent intellectual disabilities and to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities.

We do this by supporting breakthrough research on the prevention, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of intellectual disabilities.

All people with an intellectual disability have the ability to learn, develop, and achieve an independent lifestyle - how successful they are often depends on the support and resources available to them.

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