About Us
The Developmental Disabilities Program is in the Department of Psychiatry at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University.
Developmental Disabilities affect approximately 3 percent of the population with about one third of individuals being severely to profoundly impaired. There is also well established evidence for the greater risk of mental health problems in individuals with Developmental Disabilities, categorized as Dual Diagnosis. With the de-institutionalization of people with intellectual handicaps over the past decade, there has been an increasing need to provide for these individuals within the community. This has necessitated the development of community services and, more significantly, an ongoing need to enhance the education of health care providers to this population.
Specific Areas of Function
Education
Foster development of educational programs at all levels (undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education).
Research
Provide a forum for developing and implementing a strategic research direction.
Clinical Service
Contribute to the definition, development and delivery mechanisms of new and innovative clinical service models, particularly those that are community based.
