Journal on Developmental Disabilities
Le journal sur les handicaps du développement

Abstract

When working with a client with dual diagnosis (i.e., developmental disability and mental health problems), it is often desirable to use a standardized instrument to gauge the level of support the individual requires. Although there is an overall paucity of such instruments, the Inventory of Client and Agency Planning (ICAP) is specifically designed to estimate the level of support required based on: a) the individual's level of functioning in a number of areas, and b) the presence/absence of maladaptive behaviours. This study was undertaken to describe the functional status and support needs of the clients seen for extensive outpatient consultation at the Dual Diagnosis Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada. The results are discussed in the context of issues related to the administration of the instrument and the duality (developmental and psychiatric) of the challenges that are encountered by individuals and professionals alike. The findings with respect to the discrepancy between actual and required levels of support shed some light on the ongoing struggle of the community to meet the needs of individuals who are dually diagnosed. 

download article >>