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 intended for professionals working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who may need more context on the intersection of IDD and mental health. The training focuses on providing contextual information of IDD and mental health, including historical context; prevalence of mental health conditions among people with IDD; and challenges with mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment among the IDD population. Using a neurodiversity-affirming lens, it begins with a review of the core characteristics of IDD, discussing how IDD increases one’s susceptibility to experiencing mental health disorders, and progresses into tips for assessing mental health needs among members of the IDD population.

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.