--- - |2+ Abstract Background People with intellectual developmental disorders have significant health disparities and a lack of proper attention to their health needs. They have been underrepresented in scientific research, and very few studies have been carried out using a representative randomized sample. The aim of this study was to describe the methods used in the POMONA‐ESP project to recruit a representative and randomized sample of participants with intellectual developmental disorders. Methods The POMONA‐ESP project is an observational cross‐sectional study. It aims to explore the health status of people with intellectual developmental disorders across Spain and the use they make of health services. Results and conclusions The results of the POMONA‐ESP project may have a major impact on people with intellectual developmental disorders and society in general. It is the first study to obtain geographically representative epidemiological data from a large sample, information that is fundamental to improving care and healthcare planning for people with intellectual developmental disorders. - Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, EarlyView.