Ilka K. Riddle, PhD

Director, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

ilka.riddle@cchmc.org

About

Biography

I am a professor in the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Cincinnati Children’s, and serve as director of UC’s federally funded University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCCEDD). With over 20 years of experience as a principal and co-investigator, I have led federal and state-funded initiatives—supported by agencies such as the Health Resources and Services Administration, Administration for Community Living, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Ohio Departments of Health and Developmental Disabilities. My work focuses on improving systems of care for children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs, and advancing health equity and inclusion for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.

As UCCEDD director, I oversee core functions including interdisciplinary training of graduate-level pre-professionals, community services and partnerships, research, and dissemination of information to individuals with disabilities, families, professionals, and policymakers. I have held leadership roles in state, national, and international organizations, advisory groups, and task forces to promote inclusive practices in programs, services, training, and research. Currently, I serve as board president of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities and have previously contributed to the United Nations Human Rights Special Procedures Expert Group on “The Right of Persons with Disabilities to the Highest Attainable Standard of Physical and Mental Health,” as well as the Inclusive Health Project Workgroup for Special Olympics International.

Services and Specialties

Interests

Healthcare transition of children and youth with special health care needs; health disparities and health equity for individuals with disabilities

Research Areas

Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Publications

Medicaid long-term services and supports and caregiving needs of caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mastrogiannis, AM; Steinway, C; Santos, TC; Chen, J; Berens, J; Davis, T; Cornacchia, M; Woodward, J; Riddle, I; Spicer, B; Wright, C; Lindquist, LA; Jan, S. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2024; 37:e13289.

Implications of Health Equity for Children With Disabilities. Ayers, KB; Riddle, I. JAMA pediatrics. 2024; 178:518-519.

Diagnosis and management in Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome: first international consensus statement. Lacombe, D; Bloch-Zupan, A; Bredrup, C; Cooper, EB; Houge, SD; García-Miñaúr, S; Kayserili, H; Larizza, L; Lopez Gonzalez, V; Menke, LA; Van Wijk, MP; Vyshka, K; Wiley, S; Hennekam, RC. Journal of medical genetics. 2024; 61:503-519.

Caregiver support, burden, and long-term planning among caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A cross-sectional study. Santos, T; Steinway, C; Mastrogiannis, A; Chen, J; Woodward, J; Riddle, I; Spicer, B; Berens, J; Davis, T; Cornacchia, M; Wright, C; Lindquist, LA; Jan, S. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2023; 36:1229-1240.

Parenting young children with developmental disabilities: Experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. Kunze, M; Gomez, D; Glenn, E; Todis, B; Riddle, I; Karns, CM; Glang, A; McIntyre, LL. Journal of Childhood, Education and Society. 2023; 4:156-175.

Behavioral and neuropsychiatric challenges across the lifespan in individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome. Qu’d, D; Schmitt, LM; Leston, A; Harris, JR; Slavotinek, A; Riddle, I; Brightman, DS; Simpson, BN. Frontiers in Genetics. 2023; 14:1116919.

Seeking Out Social Learning: Online Self-Education in Parents of Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Karns, CM; Todis, B; Glenn, E; Glang, A; Wade, SL; Riddle, I; McIntyre, LL. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: journal of policy, practice, and perspectives. 2022; 60:303-315.

Identifying key components of a web-based long term care planning intervention for family caregivers of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Chicas, VE; Steinway, C; Chen, J; Schwartz, MC; Wright, C; Cornacchia, M; Davis, TW; Berens, JC; Riddle, I; Woodward, JF; Jan, S. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2022; 35:867-877.

Caregivers of individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome: Perspectives, experiences, and relationships with medical professionals. Webster, J; Wiley, S; Schorry, E; Bowers, K; Collins Ruff, K; Riddle, I. Journal of Genetic Counseling. 2022; 31:153-163.

Living Independent From Tobacco reduces cigarette smoking and improves general health status among long-term tobacco users with disabilities. Barnhart, WR; Whalen Smith, CN; Coleman, E; Riddle, IK; Havercamp, SM. Disability and Health Journal. 2020; 13:100882.