ABSTRACTS

Call for Abstracts – 6th International Developmental Pediatrics Association (IDPA) Congress

We are excited to invite abstract submissions for the 6th International Developmental Pediatrics Association (IDPA) Congress, taking place December 1–4, 2025, in Guatemala City. This is a vital opportunity to share your research and programs focused on child development and disabilities, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LICs and MICs) and marginalized communities worldwide.

🗓️ Final Deadline: September 15, 2025

To ensure that all interested professionals have the opportunity to share their work and be published, we are offering a final extension to the abstract submission deadline.

However, space is limited. We strongly encourage early submission to ensure:
✔️ Your abstract is reviewed and considered before capacity is reached
✔️ You have time to plan registration and travel
✔️ Your work is included in the peer-reviewed, published abstract supplement in BMJ Open Pediatrics

This is your chance to be part of an inspiring global community of developmental pediatricians and child health leaders — and to have your work shared through one of the most widely accessed pediatric journals in the world.

Why is this conference important?

The IDPA Congress is one of the only global platforms that prioritizes and amplifies research from LICs, MICs, and marginalized communities. For many participants, this may be the only opportunity to present their work to an international audience, increasing visibility, credibility, and impact.

Abstract Submission Guidelines

We welcome abstracts in the following categories:

Research: Related to child development and disabilities, particularly involving marginalized populations.
Programs/Models: Effective interventions or service models that show positive outcomes for children and families in LICs, MICs, or underserved groups in high-income countries (HICs).

Eligibility Criteria

Abstracts must focus on child development or disability.
Research must involve populations in LICs, MICs, or marginalized populations in HICs (e.g., Indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, refugees, low-income communities).
Submissions must be in English or Spanish via the official abstract portal.
The presenting author must register and attend the Congress. All co-authors must approve the content.

Presentation Priority

First authors from LICs or MICs
First authors from marginalized communities, regardless of country

Abstracts Will Be Rejected If:

They are submitted after the September 15, 2025 deadline — no exceptions will be made.
They originate from HICs and do not involve marginalized populations.
They are unrelated to child development or disability.
They are case reports or case series.
They are submitted via email or fax instead of through the official portal.

Abstract Format

Please prepare the following for submission:

Title (max 20 words, UPPER CASE)
Abstract (max 250 words) structured with: Objectives, Methods, Results, Conclusions
Author details: Full names, affiliations, and contact information
Presentation preference: Oral or poster

Topic Areas Include:

Early Intervention Programs
Medical, Behavioral, Educational, and Psychological Approaches
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Nutrition
Use of Adaptive Equipment
Parent Training
Inclusive Education
Early Childhood Development
Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
Risk Factors for Developmental Disabilities
Children in Crisis / Humanitarian Emergencies

Review and Selection

All abstracts will be reviewed by the IDPA Abstract Review Committee. Selected authors will be invited to present in oral or poster format.

✅ Accepted abstracts will be published in a peer-reviewed abstract supplement in BMJ Open Pediatrics.

Presenting authors must register and pay by within 30 days of being accepted and no later than September 30, 2025, to be included in the Congress program and the BMJ publication.

Questions?

Email us at: idpaguatemala@wuqukawoq.org
Please include your abstract title and reference number in your message