 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Sheryl White-Scott, MD, FACP, Sister Thea Bowman/SVCMC, New York Medical College, 1205 Sutter Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208, 718 647-2600x127, swhite@svcmcny.org
Developmental disorders, including autism and attention deficit disorder, are widespread and affect 3 – 8 % of the 4 million children born each year in the United States. Children with developmental disabilities are surviving childhood and adolescence. The improved survival has resulted in a population of individuals with mental retardation and related disorders living into adulthood. The long-term impact of environmental toxins and pollution take on an increased significance with the aging of adults with developmental disabilities. The majority of research and clinical effort has been focused on the early stages of development from pregnancy through early childhood. The scientific literature reflects little or no information on the impact of environmental toxins after early exposure. The impact on individuals with developmental disabilities has not been researched. The complex interactions of environment, genetics, disabilities in today’s constantly changing world reflects the ongoing need for additional research of the impact, long and short, of environmental toxins on developmental disabilities throughout the lifespan.
Individuals with mental retardation and related disabilities need to have information to make informed decisions and live a healthy life. The barriers to health care and limited research are major deficiencies in making healthy choices. The impact of pollution and environmental toxins across the lifespan is an area for collaboration between the disability and the environmental health network to improve the overall quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.