TITLE

Working with adults with developmental disabilities

DESCRIPTION

This is a very important article from the American Psychological Association regarding the need for psychologists to be trained to work with individuals with developmental disabilities.  “There is a yawning gap between the need for and the availability of mental health services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here are some ways psychologists can help meet that demand.”  The article explains the various issues that individuals with disabilities have finding treatment with psychologists, and then also focuses on the issues that psychologists have in providing treatment that may include both training and funding.  The article also focuses on the types of therapy that psychologists can offer with the proper training.

Though complex, this is an excellent APA article for students contemplating the direction of their careers if interested in providing psychological services.

SOURCE

American Psychological Association, Monitor on Psychology, by Charlotte Huff, Volume 52 Number 8, November 1, 2021 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/11/feature-developmental-disabilities

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/e53n2jrw

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•Specifically, what are developmental disabilities as defined by psychologists?

•After reading the article:  Why is there a “gap between the need for and the availability of mental health services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities”?

•What are some of the issues faced by psychologists who might wish to work with individuals who have developmental disabilities?

•The article provides a few examples of treatments and therapies that psychologist could provide individuals who have mental health, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.  What are these?