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.
This collection of resources on support decision making for adults with disabilities and those who have mental health conditions is from the disAbility Law Center of Virginia.
We all need help sometimes making difficult choices in life, and for individuals with disabilities, that need is often greater. Regardless of our current abilities, we all need to prepare for future events that may cause us to be unable to make choices about our lives or unable to communicate those choices.
This resource collection reviews many options for young and older adults with disabilities as they face important decisions about medical, educational, independent living, and other aspects of adult life.
Decision Making Resources from dLCV
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have unique strengths and challenges. Understanding the underlying characteristics of ASD and effective practices that support their needs is essential.
Designed for those who support, instruct, work with, or live with someone with autism, the Autism Internet Modules (AIM) guide users through case studies, instructional videos, pre- and post-assessments, discussion questions, activities, and more.
AIM website
This 2 page infographic visual is designed for families and children/youth to share information about brain-based conditions with their teachers and other educators.
The source is Brain First Parenting from Eileen Devine.
2 page graphic
Presented live on September 29, 2025, this webinar was presented by Drs. Jodi Duke, Grace Francis and Alexandra Raines from George Mason University’s College of Education and Human Development, and hosted by FFF.
Presentation slides
Crisis cycle at home handout
Recording of Autism webinar
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.
Virginia Medicaid administers Developmental Disabilities Waivers jointly with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. This landing page from Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care) provides fact sheets on each of the three types of DD waivers, updated as of 2025.
Landing Page for DD Waiver information