Beyond abuse: health care for people with disabilities

Abuse has become a focus of concern in today's society. Historically, signs and symptoms of abuse in people with developmental disabilities have not been effectively recognized, assessed, or treated. Preconceived ideas, institutionalization, lack of creative communication and technologies, and limited self-determination influence the incidence of abuse. These factors impair health care providers' ability to assess, intervene, and treat these people. Development of a supportive culture, education, professional attitudes, and prevention are the tools health care providers may use in partnership with people receiving their services to effectively respond to circumstances of abuse.