Program Helps Adults with Intellectual, Developmental Disabilities on Cancer Journey
An article published in Healio shares the details of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's new, specialized neuro-inclusive oncology care and empowerment program, which supports adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) throughout their cancer journeys. The program, which was developed by Dana-Farber’s psychosocial oncology and palliative care department, helps patients living cancer who also have autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, fragile X syndrome, and more conditions. The department addresses the unique challenges faced by this population, acknowledging the disparities in cancer diagnosis, treatment access, and outcomes experienced by patients with IDD, and engages multidisciplinary teams to improve the equity and accessibility of care.