Over the last five decades, long-term support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) has shifted from institutional care to community-based services, which includes accessing appropriate and effective medical and behavioral health care in the community.
For the over 30 percent of adults with I/DD who also have a diagnosed mental disorder, accessing appropriate treatment remains a need. In exploring ways to enhance overall capacity across the healthcare continuum to be inclusive of supporting those with I/DD and co-occurring mental health diagnoses and/or complex behavioral challenges, structured approaches to build competency in clinicians and other professionals continues to be an area of focus.
Many individuals with I/DD, who also have co-occurring mental health conditions, have unique needs that require psychosocial intervention. Appropriately modified therapeutic interventions, such as the Skills System, that are implemented consistently and integrated across settings can be effective to address the behavioral health needs of many individuals with I/DD. The Skills System is a evidence-based approach for individuals with I/DD and co-occurring mental health diagnoses that accommodates diverse learning needs of this population.