Exodus Healthcare Network
Advancing
Inclusive Care.
Substance Use Disorder in People with Intellectual
or Developmental Disabilities
Access to compassionate, appropriate substance use treatment matters
for everyone. For individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities, finding care that recognizes their unique needs can
present additional challenges.
Exodus Healthcare Network is proud to recognize
Dr. William J. Walsh, MD, for presenting
“Substance Use Disorder in Persons with Intellectual or Developmental
Disabilities” at the 2026 Fall Conference on Substance Abuse.
His presentation focused on an important area of healthcare:
understanding the barriers people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities may encounter when seeking substance use treatment, and
considering how assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing support
can better address individual needs.
Why inclusive substance use treatment matters
Substance use disorder can affect people from every background.
However, treatment approaches may not always account for differences
in communication, learning, cognitive abilities, or adaptive
functioning. These considerations can influence how a person
understands treatment, participates in services, and receives support.
Recognizing these differences is an important step toward making
care more accessible and responsive. Rather than assuming one
approach will work for everyone, providers can consider each
individual’s circumstances, strengths, challenges, and support needs.
Inclusive care starts with understanding the person behind the
diagnosis—and recognizing that treatment should account for
individual needs.
Key themes from Dr. Walsh’s presentation
The presentation explored considerations for addressing substance
use disorder in people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. Several important themes include:
01
Recognizing barriers to care
Understanding how accessibility, communication needs, and
coordination between services can affect access to appropriate
treatment.
02
Individualized assessment
Considering a person’s cognitive abilities, communication style,
circumstances, and support needs when evaluating treatment options.
03
Responsive treatment planning
Considering appropriate treatment settings, individualized goals,
and adjustments that may help care better fit the person.
04
Ongoing support and collaboration
Recognizing the value of communication and coordination among
healthcare providers, treatment professionals, and support systems.
Moving toward more compassionate care
Improving access to substance use treatment requires continued
education, thoughtful assessment, and collaboration among the
professionals and organizations involved in care. Recognizing the
needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
is part of that broader conversation.
Conversations like these help bring attention to areas where
healthcare services can continue to learn, adapt, and work toward
more inclusive approaches.
At Exodus Healthcare Network, our mission is
to encourage and give hope in the lives of others.
We are proud to recognize Dr. Walsh’s contribution to this important
discussion and the continued work toward compassionate healthcare
for our communities.
This article summarizes an educational presentation and is intended
for informational purposes only. It is not individualized medical advice.
