Building the Path to Home

Medical services

Problem behaviour can be related to an underlying physical health issue. People with developmental disabilities may not realize that physical discomfort means that something is wrong. They may also have trouble describing physical discomfort. People with developmental disabilities are more susceptible to medical problems than the general population.

Find out if the person that you are helping has a doctor or dentist. Ask if he or she has regular medical and dental checkups.

Read the Guidelines for Managing the Client with Intellectual Disability in the Emergency Room. Print a copy or get a copy from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (416 595-6059). Take the guidelines with you, and be prepared to ask questions during the assessment. There is evidence that medication—and changing the medication or the dose—may have a greater effect on people with a developmental disability than on other people. Ask questions about this.

Finding a doctor

Finding a doctor can be challenging for anyone. It is even harder for people with special needs.

Ask organizations such as Concerned Parents of Toronto (416 492-1468) or one of the developmental services or specialized dual diagnosis agencies if they have a list of doctors taking new patients.

Families of people who have a dual diagnosis may be able to recommend family doctors who are flexible and responsive.

You can find a doctor through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. You will still need to call a prospective doctor to confirm that he or she is accepting new patients.

Community Health Centres (CHCs) provide a range of medical and social supports and can help people who have difficulty accessing mainstream services. CHCs can provide service to people who do not have health cards, help people to access dental care and offer culturally sensitive service. Some CHCs work with multicultural communities (Access Alliance) or people with disabilities (The Anne Johnston Health Station). The Shout Clinic works with youth who are homeless.

Finding a dentist

To find a dentist in Toronto, call:

• the Toronto Academy of Dentistry at 416 967-5649 or
• the University of Toronto Dental Clinic at 416 979-4927.

People who receive Ontario Disability Support Program benefits are entitled to a dental plan that will cover the majority of dental expenses.

Family members or previous caretakers may be asked about the person's dental history. This history should be explored. For example, if a past visit to the dentist was traumatic, thinking about the experience may influence the person's current behaviour.

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