Insights
Identifying and Treating Anxiety in Adults With Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
Anxiety disorder is one of America’s most common mental health concerns, affecting up to 31.1% adults at some point in their lives. However, that number may creep higher in the case of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Untreated anxiety and...
Identifying and Treating Anxiety in Adults With Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
Anxiety disorder is one of America’s most common mental health concerns, affecting up to 31.1% adults at some point in their lives. However, that number may creep higher in the case of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Untreated anxiety and...
Dispelling Communication Myths Around Autism
People with autism may communicate differently than others, but many understand words and can convey their thoughts through writing. In childhood, some individuals with autism may start to speak earlier than their peers and may have a strong penchant for topics or use...
Adults Living With Prader-Willi Syndrome
Adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) can live full, active lives when given the right support. For many people living with PWS, this can mean joining a club or volunteering in their community. Some may need more support than others, especially if they do not live...
Landmark Golf Tournament Tees Up Inclusion on a Major Scale
The intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community is celebrating a new milestone towards greater inclusion within the world of sports. In mid-July, history was made at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in North Carolina. Over the course of three days,...
Adults with I/DD Living with Cerebral Palsy (CP): Part 2
Many physicians are trained to work primarily with children with CP, and numerous physical resources are available in this life stage to help strengthen and stabilize musculoskeletal and muscle function. However, as adulthood approaches, resources and ongoing...
Adults with I/DD Living with Cerebral Palsy (CP): Part 1
Adults living with Cerebral Palsy—especially individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD)—face added challenges as they continue to age. Secondary effects can worsen over time, influencing how individuals manage their motor function and...
Health Equity Framework: A Welcome Initiative
Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) often have several challenges to overcome, and health equity remains an issue for many. Continual discrimination is a hot-button topic, and the National Council on Disability (NCD) is at the...
Pride Month and Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
Pride month is celebrated annually throughout the Americas and worldwide by the LGBTQ+ community, their families, and supporters. It is a significant time of honesty, respect, healing, understanding, and tolerance, and a time to honor pioneers in the LGBTQ+ movement...
Inclusive Higher Education Programs and Adults with I/DD
The right to receive an education belongs to everyone. Thanks to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), perspectives have shifted toward more inclusion in the education system. Many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)...
Adults Experiencing Life with Rett Syndrome
For adults living with Rett syndrome, challenges will be faced throughout their lifetime and may be overwhelming for some families to cope with. A good place to start is understanding the causes and symptoms of Rett syndrome, and what to expect as it develops into...
Communicating Using Person-First Language
Words are powerful. If not used properly, your tone and language can come off as unintentionally insensitive, hurtful, even harmful. Using person-first language is recommended when communicating about individuals with I/DD since it supports inclusion and is...
