Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Webinar Series

The MIGS Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Webinar Series: Common clinical issues in family practice care of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Speakers and format

Join us for these live, one hour webinars, where each session will be case-based, chosen and presented by a family physician or other professionals (physician specialists or allied health), as appropriate to the topic. The leader of the webinars will be the Chair of the CFPC Developmental Disabilities Member Interest Group.

Mainpro+ Certification

This activity meets the certification criteria of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Quebec College of Family Physicians, a continuing professional development accrediting organization recognized by the Collège des médecins du Québec and has been approved for up to 1 (one) Mainpro+^® Certified Activity credits.

Session 1: The Dentist’s Approach to Oral Health for Adults with IDD: Considerations for the Family Physician – Complete 

• Identify common oral health issues and risk factors affecting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
• Describe how oral health impacts overall health, behaviour, nutrition, and quality of life in adults with IDD.
• Apply practical strategies for adapting oral health assessment, referral, and follow-up within family medicine for patients with IDD.
• Recognize indications for dental referral and how to support patients and caregivers in accessing appropriate dental care.

Session 2: The Geneticist’s Approach to IDD: Considerations for the Family Physician 

• Describe the role of genetic evaluation in adults with IDD, including when it is indicated and what it can (and cannot) offer.
• Identify clinical features or red flags that should prompt consideration of genetic referral.
• Discuss how genetic diagnoses can inform prognosis, anticipatory guidance, medical surveillance, and family counseling.
• Apply case-based examples to determine when and how to involve genetics in the care of adults with IDD.

Session 3: The Dietitian’s Approach to Common Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Concerns for Adults with IDD: Considerations for the Family Physician

• Identify common gastrointestinal and nutritional issues affecting adults with IDD, including feeding challenges, dysphagia, aspiration, reflux, constipation, and malnutrition.
• Describe the relationship between nutrition, medications, mobility, and gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with IDD.
• Apply practical dietary and non-pharmacologic strategies to support gastrointestinal health and nutritional adequacy in this population.
• Recognize when dietitian referral is indicated and how to collaborate effectively with dietitians to support patients and caregivers.

Session 4: The Expert’s Approach to Cerebral Palsy Lifespan Care: Considerations for the Family Physician

• Describe common medical, functional, and psychosocial issues experienced by adults with cerebral palsy across the lifespan.
• Identify key health surveillance and preventive care considerations specific to adults with cerebral palsy.
• Apply a comprehensive, longitudinal primary care approach to managing adults with cerebral palsy, including coordination with rehabilitation and specialty services.
• Use case examples to anticipate complications, support transitions, and promote quality of life in adults with cerebral palsy.