Mental Health Approaches to Intellectual / Developmental Disability A Resource for Trainers

Mental Health Approaches to Intellectual/Developmental Disability: A Resource for Trainers is a landmark contribution to the field of support for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health concerns.

This book can be used by a myriad of different professionals and care providers for a variety of different purposes. It may be used: (a) to train others for professional development (train-the-trainer model), (b) as a resource guide for individual study, or (c) as a reference guide.

Proper support of mental wellness among persons with IDD requires a significant body of information and knowledge, and the authors of this book are happy to offer it as a means for educating professionals and care providers.

The overall mission of this book is to provide an overview of mental health assessment, treatment, and supports for persons with IDD over the lifespan. The book is arranged in modules, allowing reader or trainer to select those topics that are of interest. This book is designed to be used with a wide range of audiences — from direct support workers to professionals from various disciplines.

Juanita St. Croix’s home province is Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. She credits the culture and spirit of community there with shaping her goals and her approach to working with people. Ms. St. Croix attended Western University in London, Ontario, where she stayed once her studies were complete. She has worked in human services for more than 30 years, primarily in developmental services with organizations providing services and supports for people with a dual diagnosis. Ms. St. Croix has been an active member of NADD since 2012 and has had her NADD-CC designation since 2019. Jeanne M. Farr, Chief Executive Officer of NADD, has served in nonprofit executive leadership positions for more than 30 years. Jeanne serves on a variety of advisory committees and nonprofit boards. She is Chair of the Board of the National Alliance for Direct Care Professionals and Chair of the Board of Ripple Effect Images. She serves on the advisory boards for the School of International Studies at University of the Pacific and the National Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Training Center. She is also a member of The Arc’s Center for Future Planning Advisory Council. Melissa Cheplic is a Senior Training and Consultation Specialist at The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities at Rutgers Medical School – New Jersey’s University Center for Excellence in Development Disabilities. Melissa develops and delivers training and technical assistance to community provider and state agencies, building capacity in behavior and mental health and identifying strategies to coordinate behavior intervention with clinical supports for individuals with dual diagnosis. Melissa holds a master’s degree from the Rutgers School of Public Health. Dr. Dan Baker is with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, where he serves as the Positive Supports Compliance Specialist with Quality Assurance and Disability Compliance Services. Dr. Baker also provides clinical supervision for the Successful Life Project. Dr. Baker’s clinical focus is on positive behavior support, models of community and educational support, transition services, and mental health services for persons with disabilities. Dr. Rob Fletcher is the founder and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus of NADD. He has dedicated his professional career to improving the lives of individuals who have a dual diagnosis of mental illness (MI) and an intellectual disability (ID). Dr. Fletcher has authored articles, book chapters, and books in areas concerning clinical, programmatic, policy, and research in the field of dual diagnosis. He is the Chief Editor of both the textbook and clinical guide of the Diagnostic Manual – Intellectual Disabilities (DM-ID and DM-ID-2).

Module I: Understanding Dual Diagnosis Basics Module II: The Genetics of IDD: Syndromes and Phenotypes Module III: Comprehensive Assessment Practices Module IV: Mental Status Exam Module V: Overview of the Diagnostic Manual for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (DM-ID-2) Module VI: Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness Module VII: Positive Support Strategies and Wellness Module VIII: Crisis Prevention and Intervention: Reducing Risk Module IX: Adapting Therapy Practices Module X: Trauma-Informed Supports Module XI: Childhood and Adolescence Module XII: Wellness and Aging Module XIII: Justice System Considerations Module XIV: The Importance of Direct Support Professionals Module XV: Collaborating Across Systems Appendix