Project Description:
Need: Children with IDD experience trauma at a far greater rate than their typically developing peers. They are at increased risk of abuse and neglect, including sexual, physical and emotional abuse. They are more likely to experience bullying, restraint, institutionalization, abandonment and isolation. And yet, the signs of mental health conditions for these children are often over-looked and attributed to the IDD rather than the traumatic experience(s). What may be considered challenging behaviors could very well be an expression of a mental health condition resulting from trauma. Instead of addressing these mental health symptoms appropriately, we often turn to behavior management programs; the mental health concerns are not addressed and may even be exacerbated. We know recovery is possible for these children with appropriate care and treatment.
Overall goals and objectives:
Trauma-informed care expertise and service providers exist in our communities but dont often recognize their ability to serve children with IDD. The Road to Recovery curriculum seeks to provide the necessary background in IDD, how trauma might impact the development of a child with IDD, and provide tools and resources that encourage community providers to have confidence in their abilities to support these children in recovery.
The Road to Recovery curriculum is a train the trainer curriculum, available for free download. Agencies and organizations can use all or parts of the curriculum to develop in-house capacity.
Unusual features: The curriculum serves the mental health needs of IDDs and their families,which is a very under-served population.
Expected benefits:
This training institute is designed for educators and trainers in the fields of mental health, disability service, child welfare and protection, domestic violence, sexual assault and education; as well as family members and others involved in the care of children with disabilities who have experienced abuse, neglect, medical trauma, abandonment, bullying and other traumatic events.
It is expected to increase community awareness of and capacity to deliver trauma-informed care to children with IDD and their families who experience trauma.
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote
