Mental health issues, and psychiatric illnesses, are more likely to occur in people with d

A number of factors are attributed to the high incidence rate of dual diagnoses: developmental factors (such as lack of understanding of social norms and appropriate behaviour, inability of those around to allow/ understand expressions of grief and other human emotions). These problems are exacerbat

There are many physical health factors associated with developmental disabilities. For some specific syndromes and diagnoses, these are inherent; however lack of access to health services and lack of understanding by medical professionals is also a major contributing factor. People with severe communication difficulties find it difficult to articulate their health needs, and without adequate support and education might not recognise ill health.