Information Sheet 18: Health inequities experienced by people with developmental disabilities

Abstract

Developmental disabilities (DDs) are chronic conditions that begin in childhood and are likely to be life-long impacting the ability to live independently as an adult (CDC, 2017). DDs may include Autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and cerebral palsy, among others. Young persons with DDs experience increased difficulties in accessing quality health care as they transition from pediatric to adult healthcare services.

Young persons with DDs have complex health care needs. As they grow older, they are more likely than their peers without disabilities to develop chronic health conditions (Thomas et al., 2011). During emerging adulthood (period from adolescence to young adulthood) these individuals are at increasing risk of developing health problems. During this period, they and their families face increased economic, social, health and mental health related challenges. Studies from various countries, including Canada, found that people with DDs are poorly supported by healthcare systems and services (Fisher, 2004; Krahn et al., 2006; Scheepers et al., 2005; Sullivan et al., 2011). Although nurses are strategically positioned to provide care to individuals with DDs, they are not fully equipped with the skills, awareness, supports, and education for this active care role. The major challenges nurses face in providing good care to this population include time constraints, communication challenges and insufficient education and training (Khanlou et al., 2019)