Understanding Mental Health Challenges Among People with IDD

The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA), housed at UD’s Center for Disabilities Studies, offers training and technical assistance that benefits individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them. We are pleased to announce our statewide virtual training schedule designed to introduce participants to the core characteristics of autism and practices that provide support in a variety of professionals.

Understanding Mental Health Challenges Among People with IDD is an introductory training designed for professionals who work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and seek a deeper understanding of the intersection between IDD and mental health.

This training provides an overview of developmental and intellectual disabilities, exploring key concepts such as models of disability (social vs. medical), language preferences, disability etiquette, ableism, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. It highlights the unique mental health experiences of people with IDD, emphasizing the impact of masking, trauma, and diagnostic overshadowing through a biopsychosocial lens.

Additionally, the training focuses on promoting effective communication by introducing tools like communication boards to help ensure equitable access to language and support.

This training is designed for all community members. For example this may include, but is not limited to, people with autism, their families, healthcare providers, first responders, direct support professionals, and early childhood professionals.

“This course, Understanding Mental Health Challenges Among People with IDD, Approval # 9052024-2, provided by Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism is approved for continuing education by the NASW-DE Continuing Education Approval Collaborative. CE Approval Collaborative Approval Period: Thursday, September 5, 2024 through January 31, 2025. Delaware social workers will receive 2 CE credits for participating in this course.”

Seating is reserved for Delaware residents and Delaware professionals. The DNEA reserves the right to cancel training if the minimum threshold for attendance is not reached.

Please email Katie Booz at boozkp@udel.edu for any accommodation requests. Please submit any accommodation requests at least 72 hours in advance to ensure accommodations can be coordinated and provided.