The term developmental disabilities (DD) refers to individuals with intellectual disability, autism spectrum, fetal alcohol spectrum and related neurodevelopmental genetic syndromes. Children, youth, and adults with DD are vulnerable to high rates of general health and mental health concerns. This interactive 2018 conference will focus on practical strategies and partnerships to optimize their potential. Our goal is to help clinicians and caregivers learn effective ways to work with individuals with DD, and their families, in partnership to improve their quality of life experience. The conference will also provide educational and informative psychiatric, behavioural, mental health, and complex physical health updates specific to individuals with DD, and showcase best practices in the field. This conference will engage health care providers and educators from a wide range of professional disciplines in knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Learning Objectives:

• Review evidence based clinical best practices in physical, mental health and education for individuals with DD
• Explore new research in physical, mental health and education for individuals with DD
• Identify core issues and challenges facing individuals with DD and their families
• Consider ways to build partnerships to maximize health and wellbeing
• Develop connections, share knowledge and common experiences with individuals and service providers involved in the field of DD