About Us
Developmental Disabilities (Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder) affect about 2% of the Canadian population. However, compared with the general population, children, adolescents, and adults with Developmental Disabilities have higher rates of medical problems, greater health care costs, and shorter life expectancy. In addition, studies consistently show increased rates of psychiatric disorders, with some research suggesting rates as high as eight times those seen in the general population. This heightened risk is associated with increased morbidity, higher service utilization, and more frequent hospitalizations. Paradoxically, despite their greater health needs, individuals with Developmental Disabilities often receive fewer assessments and less treatment for their medical and psychiatric comorbidities, leading to significant health care disparities and inequities.
One major factor contributing to these challenges is the inadequate preparation of physicians to assess and treat people with Developmental Disabilities. Many physicians report feeling inadequately trained and uncomfortable providing care to patients with significant cognitive or communication difficulties, particularly when psychiatric comorbidity is present. These challenges are often rooted in limited formal training in Developmental Disabilities and insufficient clinical experience with this population.
The Developmental Disabilities Program was established in Western University’s Department of Psychiatry in 1987.The goals of the Program are as follows:
- To provide and facilitate education on Developmental Disabilities for health professionals
- To support and encourage research in Developmental Disabilities
- Enhance the visibility of Developmental Disabilities within the university and broader community and to attract academic leadership to the field
- To provide the opportunity to develop and maintain a critical mass of individuals working within the field.
