Understanding The Link Between Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Illnesses: Importance of Mental Healthcare

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Mental healthcare is an important part of overall health for everyone, and it is especially crucial for people with intellectual disabilities. Intellectual disabilities can often lead to or be associated with mental health disorders. It is therefore important to understand the link between intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses in order to provide adequate support to those who need it. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of mental healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities, and discuss the unique psychological challenges they face.

Common Types Of Mental Health Disorders In People With Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual disabilities refer to conditions that result in difficulties with intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. These disabilities are usually diagnosed during childhood and are characterized by below-average intellectual abilities. Individuals with intellectual disabilities may experience a wide range of psychiatric disorders. According to research, they are more likely to develop mental health disorders than those without disabilities. Common types of mental illnesses in people with intellectual disabilities can include the following:

  • Anxiety disorders: PTSD, OCD, panic disorder, social phobias, generalized anxiety

  • Mood disorders: Depression, bipolar depression disorder

  • Personality disorders: Borderline personality disorders

It is important to note that these mental health disorders can manifest differently in individuals with intellectual disabilities. They may have difficulties expressing their feelings, thoughts, and emotions, which can make it harder for healthcare professionals to identify and diagnose their mental health issues.

Seeking Professional Help For A Loved One

It can be difficult to recognize when someone with an intellectual disability is experiencing a mental health disorder. In many cases, they may not be able to communicate their feelings or experiences effectively, and their symptoms may be dismissed or misunderstood. However, it is essential to seek professional help if you suspect that someone you know is struggling.

Mental health illnesses in people with intellectual disabilities can manifest in a variety of ways, including changes in behavior, mood swings, and difficulty with daily activities. Common types of mental health disorders that are prevalent in individuals with intellectual disabilities include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. In some cases, these disorders may co-occur with intellectual disabilities, making diagnosis and treatment more complicated.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of mental illness, it is essential to seek professional help. Mental healthcare providers can evaluate and diagnose the specific disorder, recommend treatments, and offer support and guidance throughout the recovery process. Treatment options may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes that can improve overall mental and physical health.

Remember that it is not just the individual with intellectual disabilities who needs support. Caregivers, family members, and friends may also need assistance and guidance in managing and supporting their loved one’s mental health needs. Seeking professional help and engaging in supportive services can be essential in managing mental health disorders and improving quality of life for everyone involved.

End The Stigma 

There is a long-standing stigma associated with mental illness and intellectual disabilities. Often, individuals with these conditions are treated unfairly and labeled as “incapable” of leading successful lives. However, it is important to understand that mental illness and intellectual disabilities are not character flaws or personal shortcomings; they are conditions that require proper treatment and care.

Talking openly about mental health disorders can help reduce the stigma associated with these conditions. When people feel comfortable discussing their experiences, it can encourage others to seek help and support. The more we talk about these issues, the more we can work to create a society that values and supports those living with mental illness and intellectual disabilities.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it shows strength and courage to seek treatment and support to overcome these challenges. People with intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses often require special care, and healthcare professionals can provide that necessary assistance.

There are also numerous resources available to help those with intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses. These resources may include therapy, counseling, medications, support groups, and community outreach programs. With the right resources and support, people can get the help they need to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Tips for Facilitating Effective Communication Between Caregivers and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

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Effective communication is one of the most important skills healthcare providers can have. Communicating with people with intellectual disabilities is especially challenging because there are so many factors that can affect it, including language barriers and cognitive issues. However, by following some basic guidelines about effective communication (including preparation, communication strategies, and using visual aids), healthcare professionals can be better prepared to support their patients’ needs.

 

 

Tips for preparation:

 

Do your homework: Before you communicate with a person with an intellectual disability, it’s important that you understand their communication needs and preferences. Briefly review the patient’s medical history, get information from family members and caregivers (if available), or observe the person in their natural environment.

 

Know what you want to say:
The first step in facilitating effective communication between healthcare professionals and people with intellectual disabilities is deciding what information should be conveyed—and how much of it should be conveyed at once.
Know who you are talking with: This may seem obvious, but it’s easy for even experienced professionals working with this population group to forget that these individuals have different levels of understanding based on age-appropriate developmental levels. In order for any conversation to be successful, there must be mutual respect between all parties involved; if either party feels disrespected during this process, then chances are high that nothing productive will come out of the said exchange. This can lead to situations where one party feels attacked while another feels defensive, which makes effective communication difficult since neither party wants anything less than peace within themselves, let alone externally as well!

 

Communication strategies:

 

Below are a few strategies you can use when communicating with a person with an intellectual disability in a healthcare setting:
  • Use a calm voice and speak slowly
  • Ask the person what will help with communication
  • Avoid using sarcasm, jargon, and slang
  • Address the person directly by their name 
  • Don’t make assumptions
  • Use hand gestures or facial expressions with your words
  • Use visual aids like pictures, and symbols, or write things down on paper
  • Be polite and patient—do not rush the conversation
  • Be aware of the person’s physical boundaries

 

Effective communication is key:

 

Effective communication is key to helping people with intellectual disabilities get the support they need. However, effective communication can be difficult for healthcare professionals and people with intellectual disabilities because of several barriers.
Many people with intellectual disabilities have difficulty communicating because of their disability. This may mean they don’t understand what is being said or cannot express themselves clearly in words or gestures (for example, if they are non-verbal). It can also mean that others find them hard to understand because their way of speaking and understanding language differs from other people’s ways of speaking and understanding language (for example, if someone has Down syndrome).
Some individuals may not feel comfortable talking about personal matters such as health issues or worries with people they don’t know – even if those people are doctors! This might be because they’ve been taught not to discuss personal matters or simply because they don’t want strangers to know things about them that aren’t relevant.

 

Conclusion:

 

We hope this article has provided some insight into how to communicate effectively with patients with intellectual disabilities. Communication is an important skill to have as a healthcare professional, so we encourage you to keep these tips in mind when communicating with people who have intellectual disabilities. While there are no easy solutions to complex problems like this one, we believe that by listening carefully and being respectful of each other’s perspectives, we can all make progress toward improving our relationships with those who need special care.

 

Relevant links:
Obstacles to Healthcare for People with IDD

Addressing Trauma in Individuals with IDD

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Trauma-informed care is a system of care that provides safe spaces for people who have experienced trauma while reducing the likelihood of re-traumatization. The trauma-informed care approach entails realizing, recognizing, and responding to the effects of trauma on the populations you serve. It also redefines trauma reactions as adaptive rather than pathological; they are the person’s best effort to cope with the experience.

 

While many human health and social service organizations have implemented trauma-informed practices, they are hardly ever acknowledged in organizations serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The effects and prevalence of trauma among people with IDD are difficult to ignore, and implementing a trauma-informed care system at your organization can benefit the people you serve.

 

Trauma is common for people with IDD
People with disabilities are more likely to experience trauma than the general population. The most commonly experienced traumas among people with IDD can include:

 

  • Childhood abuse or neglect
  • Abandonment/isolation
  • Domestic violence
  • Bullying/harassment
  • Restraint/Seclusion
  • Institutionalization such as foster care placements and educational placements
  • Sexual assault/sexual abuse
  • The unexpected loss of a parent or caregiver
  • Global disasters
  • Trauma-related medical issues

 

How to recognize trauma in an individual with IDD
Individuals with IDD experience a variety of trauma-based responses. For people who have limited cognitive or communication abilities, it can be difficult for them to express their traumas to caregivers. Some signs that a person with IDD has experienced trauma can include:

 

  • Cognitive effects: Difficulty acquiring new skills, difficulty processing new information, poor verbal communication or loss of communication ability, and memory loss.
  • Physiological effects: Stomachaches, headaches, nightmares, difficulties sleeping, loss of developmental skills, bed-wetting.
  • Behavioural effects: Aggressive behaviour, screaming or crying excessively, irritable mood, verbally abusive behaviour, social anxiety.
Often, some symptoms of trauma are interpreted as challenging behaviours or “outbursts” by healthcare staff. Pacing, yelling, or self-injurious behaviour can be a response to a triggering event that is reminiscent of a traumatic experience. It is important that staff are trained in ways to prevent triggers and de-escalate crisis behaviour, rather than quickly responding with restraints or therapeutic holds, as these interventions can cause more trauma for a person with a disability.

 

Key principles of trauma-informed care
There are six key principles of trauma-informed care that all healthcare clinicians and staff need to follow:

 

  1. Safety: Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all patients and staff.
  2. Trustworthiness and transparency: Care providers need to be transparent with patients to build a sense of trustworthiness.
  3. Peer support: Care providers must thoroughly understand various traumatic conditions and how they affect patient care.
  4. Collaboration and mutuality: Care providers should view patients as partners in the effort to develop treatment plans.
  5. Empowerment, voice, and choice: Care providers work to empower patients who have experienced trauma to take back control of their health.
  6. Cultural issues: Care providers must recognize and eliminate any potential cultural, racial, gender, or other biases.

 

Community Living North Perth is a non-profit organization in Ontario, Canada, advocating for the well-being of adults with disabilities. For more information on how to implement trauma-informed care practices in your organization, contact info@clnorthperth.ca or call 519-291-1350.

 

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Obstacles to Healthcare for People with IDD

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For years, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have struggled to access effective healthcare. Generations of healthcare providers have not received the proper training on how to treat individuals with disabilities. 
 
According to Statistics Canada, one in five (22%) of the Canadian population aged 15 and over – about 6.2 million individuals – are living with some form of disability that affects their level of freedom, independence, or quality of life.
 
People with disabilities have the same right as everyone else to receive community-based healthcare with the same ease of access and for the same problems. In this article, we discuss some of the most common healthcare barriers for people with disabilities and how healthcare providers can improve accessibility in their medical facilities.
 

Common Barriers to Disability Healthcare

In surveys and focus groups, people with disabilities expressed frustration over the multiple barriers that prevent them from getting the healthcare that they need. These barriers include: 
 
Communication barriers: Those with speech disabilities have a hard time communicating with healthcare providers and feel that their concerns are not taken seriously.
 
Attitudinal barriers: People with disabilities report that their providers speak to them disrespectfully or ignore their need for preventative care, focusing on their disability as the main reason for their visit.
 
Physical barriers: Individuals with disabilities report a lack of architectural accessibility and a lack of medical equipment in healthcare facilities and offices (e.g., wheelchair ramps and elevators, and height-adjustable exam tables). 
 
Financial barriers: People with disabilities have a harder time finding secure employment because of their disability, or they may receive public benefits or coverage, which limits their financial capacity to cover medical expenses.
 
Transportation barriers: Lack of accessible transportation for people who cannot drive because of cognitive or mobility impairments. Public transportation may also be unavailable or at inconvenient locations. 
 

Health Disparities in People with Disabilities

Canadians living with long-term conditions and disabilities experience more serious health disparities than those without disabilities. These include: 
 
1. Poor health rates
2. Higher rates of depression and anxiety
3. Shorter life expectancy than the general population
4. Less likely to receive preventative care
5. Higher rates of undiagnosed hearing and vision impairments
6. Higher rates of obesity
7. Higher rates of poor dental health
8. Higher rates of diabetes, asthma, and heart disease

 

Removing Barries and Improving Accessibility

 
Understanding these barriers is the first step toward removing them. There are many things that healthcare providers can do to make their medical facilities more accessible for patients with disabilities. These include: 
 
– Providing accessible office equipment, such as height-adjustable exam tables, scales, and X-ray machines.
– Ensuring that office building complies with modern accessibility guidelines, such as having doorways wide enough for wheelchair access, appropriate ramps and elevators, and accessible restrooms.
– Providing alternative communication when requested, such as sign language or written communication.
– Recognizing that some patients with disabilities will bring their service animals into clinic waiting rooms, exam rooms, and other areas in your office. 
– Providing ongoing training to medical staff on how to interact appropriately with patients who have disabilities. Include topics on respectful communication, disability culture, reproductive healthcare, and the importance of preventative care. 
– Connecting with local and national disability organizations so staff can learn more about rare conditions and ask people with disabilities about their preferences for communication and access.
– Recognizing that some patients with disabilities may have trouble paying for their healthcare, even if they have insurance. Help patients to understand all of their prevention and treatment options, including relative costs. This may include comparing different treatment options or allowing for payment plans. 

 

Interested in knowing more ways to improve accessibility in your medical practice?
Contact the experts at Community Living North Perth. 

What is Supported Employment?

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Supported employment is an evidence-based practice in which direct support professionals (DSPs) help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities find, secure, and maintain competitive work alongside other members of their community. With this support, those individuals with disabilities who are willing and ready to work can quickly find jobs that might otherwise be difficult to attain. 
 
Supported employment practices have been around for more than 30 years. From 1986 to 1995, the number of individuals using supported employment services increased from 10,000 to more than 140,000. Since then, supported employment has only continued to grow in popularity, providing even more employers with talented, eager employees. 
 
There are many benefits of supported employment for adults with disabilities, their employers, and the community-based service providers that help them.

Benefits of Supported Employment for People with Disabilities:

Supported employment programs can provide many benefits to people with disabilities, but perhaps the greatest benefit is that it often leads to a better quality of life. With supported employment, these individuals are able to:
 
  • Maintain financial stability
  • Build meaningful relationships
  • Learn valuable skills 
  • Make their own choices
  • Contribute to their community 
  • Contribute to their family household income

Benefits of Supported Employment for Employers:

In surveys carried out in Canada and the United States, employers of people with disabilities have noted some common characteristics among these employees: 
 
  • Work attendance is high
  • Employees are dedicated to their work 
  • Productivity and initiative are more than satisfactory
  • People with disabilities are hardworking and loyal to their jobs 

Business benefits of hiring people with disabilities, aside from it being the right thing todo, include:

  • Increased staff morale and productivity
  • Increased customer loyalty
  • Increased innovation
  • Lower turnover rates 
  • Enhanced company reputation
  • Increased market share
 
Employers who hire inclusively show that they care about diversity in the workplace and about the people and their communities, and they gain more business. It’s truly a win-win situation.
 

Benefits of Supported Employment for Service providers:

Some of the main benefits of supported employment for service providers include: 
 
  • Expanded service offerings
  • Increased client satisfaction
  • Networking with other professionals
  • Making a positive difference in their community

 

Conclusion:

Supported employment is an effective method for helping individuals with IDD improve their quality of life through competitive work opportunities. It helps employers gain loyal employees and enhance their brand reputation. It also empowers community-based service providers to expand their programs and increase client satisfaction.
 
If you’re looking for a reliable employment support program in Ontario, you’ve come to the right place. Community Living North Perth is proud to offer supported employment services to adults with disabilities over the age of 18. Contact us at info@clnorthperth.ca or call 519-291-1350 for more information.

Understanding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

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What are Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?

 

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are disorders that are usually present at birth and that uniquely affect the trajectory of an individual’s physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development. Many of these conditions affect multiple body parts or systems.

 

Intellectual disabilities can happen before a child turns 18. Many individuals have difficulty learning adaptive behaviours and daily living skills, such as communication, socialization, and personal hygiene. Physical challenges may involve walking, mobility, and speech.

 

Some children with intellectual disabilities can develop the skills they need to gain independence through professional support programs and targeted learning. Others may require one-on-one help at school or at home. As adults, many move into a group home environment, where they will continue to learn essential skills to enhance their independence and self-sufficiency.

 

Developmental disabilities encompass a broad group of challenges that can potentially impact learning, behaviour, and language development. Individuals with developmental disabilities may experience chronic cognitive or physical disabilities or both.

 

Examples of IDDs include Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and more.

 

How IDDs affect the body parts/systems

Nervous system: These disorders affect how the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system function, which can affect intelligence and learning. Other issues associated with these conditions include behavioural problems, speech or language difficulties, seizures, and movement problems.

 

Sensory system: These disorders affect the senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell) or how the brain processes or interprets the senses.

 

Metabolism: These disorders affect how the body uses food and other materials for energy and growth. Eg: how the body breaks down food during digestion is a metabolic process. Problems with these processes can upset the balance of materials available for the body to function properly. Too much of one thing or too little of another can disrupt overall body and brain functions.

 

Degenerative: Individuals with degenerative disorders may seem typical at birth and may meet developmental milestones for a time, but then they experience sudden disruptions in skills, abilities, and functions because of their condition. Sometimes, the disorder may not show until the child is an adolescent or adult and starts to show symptoms or lose abilities.

 

How to support a person living with an IDD 
Supporting someone with an IDD requires understanding that everyone’s needs are different. For example, a person with autism might have different needs than a person with Down syndrome.

 

Here are a few ways you can support a person living with an IDD:

 

1. Address the individual directly
2. Communicate naturally with facial expressions
3. Practice patience
4. Be aware of boundaries
5. Avoid being judgemental
6. Focus on the person instead of the disability
7. Never make assumptions
8. Respect the person’s choices and independence
9. Avoid using offensive language
10. Ask before you help

 

Community Living North Perth (CLNP) offers a wide range of support services to adults with disabilities to live meaningful lives. As a charitable organization, we champion and advocate for their inclusion and full citizenship in our communities. If you are looking for a support program for your loved one with a disability, you’ve come to the right place. Visit the Contact page to get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you!
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