Before care can be improved,

1. patients with developmental disabilities (DD) need to be identified
2. their disability needs to be documented and communicated to colleagues

These resources offer some assistance on signs to look for and questions to ask if you are not sure if a person has a DD or not:

Screening for Developmental Disability
This quick-to-use guide includes clinical signs and symptoms as well as interview questions your could ask a patient (Note: This is NOT a diagnostic tool) This is a screening tool grew out of our implementation works as we learned that there were many patients whose functional presentation suggested the possibility of a DD.

About Me Tool
This is a patient tool, modified from other patient 'passports', and could be offered in the waiting room with signage encouraging people with DD to complete. If a patient/caregiver fills this out, it is likely a sign they are seeking out additional assiatnce. This prompts them to provide tips and strategies to enhance their care. Attach it to the chart and you are ahead of the game!

The Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre

The Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre is the first research and education centre in Canada dedicated to improving care for adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities and mental health challenges.  The centre includes several scientists who work closely with trainees, patient and family advisors to study and develop ways to improve the mental health of this population. Scientists at the centre are running several research projects focused on mental health and disability.