In this symposium, attendees will review the potential value of pharmacotherapy for people with developmental disabilities and autism. We will review important considerations for the assessment of persons who have unique sensory needs including autism, deafness, and blindness. Together we will strategize models of how psychiatrists and other prescribing clinicians can best collaborate with therapists, behavioral consultants, communication specialists and other support staff. A review of risks and benefits of commonly used medications will be given. Case discussions will highlight specific challenges when working with consumers who are Deaf, Deafblind or Hard of Hearing and new resources which exist in our Commonwealth to aid consumers and providers will be reviewed. Case discussions will be used to highlight how thorough evaluations, thoughtful pharmacotherapy, behavioral therapy, individual counseling, and communication skill building can lead to improved quality of life and better clinical outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities in our care.