Children and youth who have intellectual disabilities or developmental disorders are at elevated risk for co-occurring psychiatric or behavioral problems. These young people pose a serious challenge for administrators, program directors and clinicians, especially when they present with aggressive or disruptive behaviors. When appropriate community services have not been organized, these youth can be among the most difficult and costly to serve. Across the country, their families report relentless stress, partly because it is very difficult to obtain the help they need. This paper provides resources and strategies that have improved outcomes and lowered costs, while diminishing risk for institutional placements, referrals to juvenile justice and child welfare.
From the Home and Community Positive Behavior Support Network (HCPBS), this April 2022 webinar by Dr. Robin Wilson and Mariah Tricker focuses on Sexual Offending Behaviors.
webinar recording
From Understood.org, these worksheets are tools for kids and parents/caregivers to identify and prepare for holiday stressors.
The holidays can be hard for kids who learn and think differently. Things that are supposed to be fun — special holiday meals, chitchat with friends and relatives — can be stressful. There may be unspoken (or even spoken) comparisons to other kids. All these demands can lead to behavior problems .
Holiday Stress worksheet
Holiday Stress during COVID worksheet
The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (MHDD) National Training Center offers free training, resources, and other information to improve mental health services and supports for people with developmental disabilities. By serving as a national clearinghouse, it offers access to the most current evidence-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices that address the mental health needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities National Training Center (MHDD-NTC) is funded by the Administration for Community Living, US Department of Health and Human Services.
