Behavioral Health Services for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), focusing on the importance of behavioral health professionals to be prepared to competently provide treatment to individuals with disabilities and to recognize individuals with IDD as a unique culture rather than a population that should be pathologized and treated with special care. The authors maintain that it is important for professionals to embrace this vibrant culture and become aware of the disability rights movement and how it affects the counseling relationship, that empowerment is a critical responsibility of behavioral health professionals, and that behavioral healthcare professionals need to work with individuals with disabilities and be willing to get involved in the self-advocacy movement.