| Myth: |
People with an Intellectual / Developmental Disability (ID/DD) cannot have a mental illness since their behavior is due solely to their developmental or intellectual deficits. |
| Fact: |
As many as 40% of people living with ID/DD also live with a mental health concern.
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| Myth: |
You can quickly and easily solve mental health concerns by yourself. |
| Fact: |
People with ID/DD can have complex mental health issues that can require comprehensive treatment that may include assessment, education, behavioural intervention and medication.
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| Myth: |
People with ID/DD are not able to be active in their own treatment plan and need others to identify what is right for them. |
| Fact: |
People with ID/DD are able to be active participants in their own mental health care.
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| Myth: |
People with ID/DD will struggle with mental health and their disability their whole lives. |
| Fact: |
People with ID/DD recover from mental illness and live fulfilling lives.
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| Myth: |
It is very challenging if not impossible to identify the signs and symptoms of mental illness in the people with ID/DD. |
| Fact: |
People with ID/DD do present with common signs and symptoms of mental illness as professionals, caregivers, family and the individual need to be aware.
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