Resources
On this page, you will find information and resources about specific strategies available to support people with I/DD, brain injuries, or other cognitive disabilities and a mental health condition, including emerging and best practices, models, and interventions.
A Macro Guide to Managing Big Emotions— Article that describes intense emotions and offers strategies for the person experiencing those feelings and those around them (Psychology Today, 2024)
A Louisiana Guide to Providing Behavioral Health Services for Individuals with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability (I/DD): A Guide for the General Clinician— Guide that highlights the adjustments and accommodations a clinician can make to ensure that needed behavioral health services are accessible to individuals with I/DD (Louisiana Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, 2022)
Examining Adults With Neuroatypical Conditions for MCI/Dementia: Barriers and Recommendations of the Neuroatypical Conditions Expert Consultative Panel— Neuroatypical Conditions Expert Consultative Panel convening to discuss barriers to the examination of cognitive impairment in adults with a variety of neuroatypical conditions (including autism, intellectual disability, and serious mental illness) with recommendations for improving care (Janicki, Hendrix, and McCallion, 2022)
Selected Findings From National Core Indicators® Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Adult Family Survey, Family Guardian Survey, and Child Family Survey— 2021-22 data at a glance (National Core Indicators® - Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 2023)
What Does It Mean To Be Neurodivergent?— Article that explains the different ways in which a brain operates and defines the term “neurodivergent” (Forbes Health, 2024)
Treating Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury— Advisory covering TBI and behavioral health, including how brain injury can affect behavioral health treatment and recommendations for holistic treatment (SAMHSA, 2021)
What Providers Need to Know: Behavioral Health and Brain Injury— Tip sheet that covers brain injury, with a focus on common symptoms, screening, and the intersections between substance use and behavioral health with brain injury (NASHIA, 2021)
The Vital Role of Specialized Approaches: Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Mental Health System— Assessment that provides an overview of areas for state mental health authorities and associated stakeholders to use to identify supports, understand resources for early educational plans, and provide recommendations on how to work with individuals with I/DD (National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, 2017)
Intellectual Disability and Mental Disorders in a US Population Representative Sample of Adolescents— Study assessing intellectual disability prevalence in a representative sample of U.S. adolescents and associations of intellectual disability with socio-demographic factors and mental disorders (Platt, Keyes, McLaughlin, and Kaufman, 2018)
Easy Read Summary: Things That Will Help People To Leave the Hospital— Report that provides helpful strategies for people with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions transitioning out of a hospital and back to their homes (Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities Program and Center for Addiction and Mental Health, 2023)
Clinical Pearls in IDD Healthcare that are Important Knowledge for DSPs— Article covering the health needs of people with disabilities and “clinical pearls,” or small bits of information, that may help a DSP identify health care concerns in the people they work with (IntellectAbility)
Health Care for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Behavioral and Mental Health Issues— Guidance for possible medical issues that might be triggering certain behaviors and steps to consider when weighing whether to prescribe psychotropic medications (Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, University of Tennessee Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, WITH, 2021)
Community Living, Intellectual Disability and Extensive Support Needs: A Rights-Based Approach to Assessment and Intervention— Paper that analyzes the extent to which professional practices are aimed at promoting the right to community living for people with I/DD and extensive support needs, as well as the right to habilitation and rehabilitation and the right to privacy (Esteban, Navas, Verdugo, and Arias, 2021)
Guide to Intellectual Disabilities: A Clinical Handbook (Gentile et al., 2019)
Diagnostic Manual – Intellectual Disability: A Textbook of Diagnosis of Mental Disorders in Persons With Intellectual Disability (Fletcher et al., 2017)
Trauma and Healing in the Lives of People With Intellectual Disability (Karyn Harvey, 2023)
Family Interaction Training (FIT) Program: A Critical New Tool To Support Families and Communities— Materials that were developed for use by professionals who work with young children, but who are not mental health experts, to help parents learn evidence-based parenting strategies (Association of University Centers on Disabilities)
Webinar Series: Parenting with Co-Occurring Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (Video)— Webinar that brings together families to share their stories and experiences in parenting their children who have co-occurring mental health and developmental disabilities (Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities National Training Center, 2022)
Addressing Mental Health in Youth With IDD During Transition to Adulthood (Video)— Webinar that shares the experiences and learnings from a transition clinic that supports young adults with I/DD and mental health support needs (MHDD National Training Center, 2022)
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Digital Storytelling Series: Melissa's Story (Video)— Video in which Melissa Malcolm King — a forty-year-old Black individual from Salt Lake City, UT with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions — shares experiences with growing up and attending school, challenges with employment, and advocacy to help others (Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities National Training Center, 2021)
NOT SPECIAL NEEDS (Video)— Video that shows how people with Down syndrome feel about their needs being labeled as “special” (CoorDown, 2021)
On the Autism Spectrum YouTube Playlist— Series of five short films that raise awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder and services available to Minnesota families within the following communities: African American, Hmong, Latino, Native American, and Somali (Minnesota DHS, 2018)
Healthy Brain Webinar Series for People With IDD (Video)— Presentation that introduces the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Healthy Brain Initiative for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (HBI-PwIDD) (HealthMatters Program, 2020-23)
Trauma-Informed Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: From Disparity to Policies for Effective Action— Article that describes how the health disparities and high risk of exposure to traumatic events that people with intellectual disabilities experience are often overlooked (Houck and Dracobly, 2022)
Tips to Manage Triggers— Worksheet that provides a way for people at risk of being triggered to describe, for their own use, the major factors to consider when trying to better understand their own triggers (The Link Center, 2024)
Trauma and Ableism as Social Determinants of Health for People With IDD (Video)— Webinar that examines ableism as a social determinant of health and includes discussion of multisectoral approaches to dismantle structural and systemic discrimination for people with I/DD (HealthMatters Program, 2023)
Addressing Trauma in Individuals with IDD— Blog that discusses key elements of a trauma-informed care framework (Relias, 2020)
Trauma & Individuals with IDD (Video)— Video in which Dr. Karyn Harvey explores the sources of trauma in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, the biological and psychological effects of trauma, and healing (AADMD Virtual Grand Rounds, 2020)
Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach— Paper that discusses a working concept of trauma, a trauma-informed approach, and a way to develop a shared understanding of these concepts across various service systems and stakeholder groups (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014)
Translating Trauma Informed Care Principles into Practice (with a focus on dual diagnosis and complex behavior)— Webinar that covers trauma-informed principles, vicarious trauma, and self-care (Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, 2022)
Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Can Experience Traumatic Stress: A Fact Sheet for Parents and Caregivers— Fact sheet that addresses the intersection of I/DD, trauma, and mental wellness; why children with I/DD are at higher risk for trauma exposure and how they experience traumatic stress; and how trauma service providers can partner with parents and caregivers (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2021)
Trauma Assessment in Youth and Adults With IDD (Video)— Webinar that introduces trauma assessment tools developed, in part, by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, as well as important assessment adaptations (Brian D. Tallant, LPC, 2020)
Bringing It in the Room: Addressing the Impact of Racism on the Therapeutic Alliance— Article that, through clinical case examples, discusses the role of racism in therapeutic practices (Maharaj, Bhatt, and Gentile, 2021)
Revisiting the Fourfold Positive Approaches Paradigm: Environment, Communication, Assessment, and Hanging in There— Review of the advancement in knowledge and treatment over the past 20 years for individuals with I/DD (Beth Barol, 2019)
Learning From a Person’s Biography: An Introduction to the Biographical Timeline Process— Outline of the biographical timeline process that identifies events, passages, and interventions in a person’s life (Beth Barol, 2001)
Telepsychiatry in Psychotherapy Practice— Paper that discusses practical solutions to challenges clinicians might encounter when moving a psychotherapy practice to telehealth, such as privacy issues, health information security, and developing/maintaining a therapeutic bond (Cowan, Johnson, and Close, 2020)
Clinical Characteristics and Pharmacological Treatment of Individuals With and Without Intellectual Disability in Pre-trial Assessment-A Population-Based Study— Study that estimates the prevalence of intellectual disabilities in a pre-trial forensic psychiatric setting and the clinical characterization of individuals being subject to forensic psychiatric assessment (Edberg, Chen, Andiné, Larsson, and Hirvikoski, 2020)
IDD Psychiatry Best Practices Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacologic Treatment of Persons With IDD and Co-Occurring Mental Illness and/or Behavioral Challenges— Handout from a presentation that outlines best practices in the use of pharmacological intervention for people with I/DD who have a co-occurring condition (Nisonger Institute at The Ohio State University, 2020)
Integrated Mental Health Treatment Guidelines for Prescribers in IDD— Overview of integrated health and psychopharmacological guidelines in the treatment of people with I/DD and autism spectrum disorders (Institute on Disability at University of New Hampshire, 2023)
Flushing medications means they can get into our water system which can impact fish, wildlife, or even you.
Unless your medicine specifically states you should dispose of it by flushing, try one of these options instead. Find a collection box in Oregon, take medications to a DEA-authorized collection site, drop them off during a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, or check out these safe disposal options and special instructions from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
To learn more about this issue, read an overview of what pharmaceuticals and personal care products are, and how they threaten water quality.
In addition to protecting our water supply, properly disposing of medications can help prevent accidental poisoning, misuse and overdose.
Permanent collection boxes in Oregon
DEA-authorized collection sites
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (April and September)
You can mix medications with kitty litter or coffee grounds, put in a sealed container, and throw in the trash. Check out more safe disposal options.
More than 50 Oregon communities have established permanent, free collection boxes that are open year-round for safe and anonymous disposal of unused drugs.
The form of drugs accepted varies by location. In general, all locations will accept drugs in pill or capsule form, but are not likely to accept "sharps" (like hypodermic needles) or thermometers that contain mercury. Acceptance of medical creams varies; check by location on list linked below.
Find Permanent Collection Boxes in Oregon - This list is maintained by the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies (updated several times a year)
Google map of these locations (updated less often)
These collection boxes are intended for household disposal, not from businesses.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holds a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day twice a year in April and October. These are usually held on the last Saturday of the month between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm. Sites are set up throughout communities nationwide so local residents can return their unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal. As each Take Back Day approaches, their website is continuously updated with new collection locations.
During the 26th National Take Back Day in April 2024, Oregon residents turned in 1,633 pounds of unwanted or expired medications at 15 Take Back sites. Nationally, Americans turned in 335 tons of medications at 4,969 collection sites.
In 2014, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) changed their regulations to allow more types of locations to accept unwanted medications on a routine basis. Potentially authorized collectors - drug manufacturers, distributors, narcotic treatment programs, retail pharmacies, and hospitals - must modify their DEA registration to become authorized collectors.
To find out if your community has an authorized collector, visit DEA's website or contact their Call Center at 1-800-882-9539. The DEA will continue holding National Take Back Days twice a year while these and other collectors' take back programs are launched and expanded.
Noticing the Signs of Mental Health Concerns— Infographic that introduces the variety of mental health concerns that may affect an autistic person (ASERT, 2018)
Crisis Response Services for People with Mental Illnesses or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Review of the Literature on Police-based and Other First Response Models— Research that aims to improve interactions between people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities and the police and their community partners in ways that improve safety for all (Vera Serving Safely Initiative, 2019)
Crisis Services: Addressing Unique Needs of Diverse Populations— Paper that reviews crisis services and critical issues related to access to care for diverse populations encountering crisis services (National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, 2020)
Crisis Services Response for IDD and Other Special Populations— Resource that outlines experience in responding to Mississippi’s issue of crisis response for people with I/DD (Mississippi Department of Mental Health, 2021)
Webinar Series: Innovative & Alternative Approaches for De-Escalating People in Crisis Situations (Video)— Webinar that outlines the CAHOOTS de-escalation training from Oregon state that promotes supports through minimal intervention (Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities National Training Center, 2021)
What To Do When I Don’t Feel Okay: Big Ideas— Guide made for people who have I/DD and mental health support needs that can help people learn how to stay safe during a crisis and about different crisis plans (The Link Center, 2023)
Crisis in Services: Self-Care, Self-Directed Care, and Use of Technology Supporting All— Paper that reviews challenges, means of relief and recovery via self-directed care and support, and how providers and people seeking care may navigate behavioral health issues in the future (National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, 2022)
Crisis Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities— Research study that identifies gaps in mental health services for people with I/DD and explores models of care and best practices for this population (The Guild for Human Services, 2021)
ER - IDD Stabilization Protocol - Caring for Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities— Guide that demonstrates what to do and what not to do when supporting someone with I/DD in an emergency room (Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities)
Proactive Crisis Intervention and Prevention through Interagency Collaboration (Video)— Webinar that covers models driven by collaboration, partnership, I/DD and mental health interagency engagement, and the voices of people receiving services (The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed, 2022)
Healthcare Transition Toolkit— Comprehensive toolkit to empower people with disabilities, their families, and other disability advocates to help youth with disabilities manage their own health care as they transition to adulthood (Autistic Self-Advocacy Network)
Practical Tips for Supporting a Person’s Preferences in Their Health and Wellness Goals— Ideas and strategies for supporting a holistic sense of health and wellness (Frontline Initiative, 2023)
People With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD): Telehealth Overview— Brief for health plans to further expand understanding of how telehealth modalities can improve access to person-centered care for people with I/DD (Resources for Integrated Care, 2023)
Healthy Behavior Check-in: Supporting Well-being for People with Disabilities— Checklist that provides a template to learn about the needs of people with disabilities, and what their actions and non-verbal cues say about their needs (Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities)
The Challenge of Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Intellectual Disability in Young People (Video)— Webinar to help clinical practitioners understand how to assess and adapt care for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs (Orygen, 2020)
The Oregon Health Plan – OHP provides health care coverage for Oregonians from all walks of life.
Non-Emergency Medical Transport for OHP members – List by county and/or CCO.
The Oregon Health Authority – OHA is at the forefront of lowering and containing costs, improving quality and increasing access to health care in order to improve the lifelong health of Oregonians.
The Oregon Public Health Division provides programs, statistics, policy development and other services to build healthy communities and educate Oregonians about preventing chronic diseases, the importance of health screenings, and managing illnesses. Programs include:
The Oregon Office on Disability and Health – OODH works to improve the health and quality of life of Oregonians with disabilities through improved access to health care, health promotion, and increased community resources.
The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Oregon Health & Science University – The OHSU UCEDD has a nearly 50-year history of celebrating and improving the lives of people with disabilities throughout Oregon.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Oregon – NAMI of Oregon is a statewide grassroots organization that is dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals living with mental illness, as well as their families and loved ones. Check out their mental health resources here.
Taking Charge of My Health Care Toolkit – This toolkit is designed to provide self-advocates with knowledge, skills and tools to learn about how to better advocate for their own health and health care. It is an online resource created in collaboration with the Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition (OSAC), the Oregon Office on Disability and Health (OODH), and the University Center in Excellence on Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). The toolkit can be found in two places:
coming soon
The Office of Developmental Disabilities – ODDS strives to support choices of individuals with disabilities and their families within communities by promoting and providing services that are person-centered and directed, flexible, community inclusive, and supportive of the discovery and development of each individual’s unique gifts, talents and abilities.
Community Developmental Disabilities Programs by County – CDDP’s provide Case Management services to assess needs, facilitate delivery of services to meet needs, and monitor services delivered to individuals in each county – for adults and children, who live in a variety of settings including their own or family home, Adult Foster Homes, and 24-Hour Residential Group Homes. (Link provides a complete list of CDDP’s by county.)
Support Services Brokerages – Provide Case Management services for Adults who live in their own or family home. (Link provides a complete list of Brokerages in each area.)
Adult Day Services – Adult day centers provide services to people who are disabled and/or confused or have memory loss. Participants socialize, eat nutritious meals and sometimes receive health services. (Link provides a list of certified and registered adult day services.)
Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon – Connects seniors and people with disabilities to local information and services.
Disability Rights Oregon – DRO provides tools and advocacy strategies to Oregonians with disabilities for upholding their civil rights.
Arc of Oregon – Together with its network of members and affiliated chapters, advocates for the rights and full community participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities – OCDD engages in systems change, capacity building and advocacy activities all to improve the lives of Oregonians with developmental disabilities.
Oregon DD Coalition – Advocates for DD services on behalf of and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and support organizations in Oregon.
Oregon Housing and Community Services – OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency, providing financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of lower and moderate income.
The Oregon Housing Alliance – unites people who are dedicated to increasing resources to meet our housing needs.
Supported Employment through Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services – ODDS offers Supported Employment Services that may help you find an integrated job in your community.
Employment First – Oregon’s philosophy and policy based on the presumption that working age adults and youth with I/DD can work in jobs fully integrated in the community.
Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services – Is a statewide resource for people with disabilities and is part of the Department of Human Services. VR assists individuals with disabilities in getting and keeping a job that matches their skills, interests and abilities.
Oregon APSE – The state’s chapter of a national non-profit organization that supports Employment First to facilitate the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community.
Special Olympics Oregon – Helps those with intellectual disabilities become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all.
Adventures Without Limits – Provides access to outdoor adventure to all people – regardless of their ability level, socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, or age.
Oregon Adaptive Sports – Oregon Adaptive Sports provides life-changing outdoor recreation experiences to individuals with disabilities.
The Oregon Consortium of Family Networks – OCFN is a tool that parents can use to become healthier family units, stronger advocates for their children, and active in their communities.
FACT Oregon – Empowers Oregon families experiencing disability in their pursuit of a whole life by expanding awareness, growing community, and equipping families.
Valuable Resources
We'd like to share these resources that were shared with us by the Oregon Department of Education:
The ABCs of Me, educator toolkits and multimedia resources on autonomy, boundaries, and consent for grades K-5 by Hip Hop Public Health
Sex Ed By and for People with Disabilities, a video series by the National Council on Independent Living
Athletes and Periods: A Workshop to Empower Student Athletes Across their Menstrual Cycle, instructional materials by PERIOD. and the Multnomah Athletic Foundation
Best Practices for Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Students in Middle Schools and High Schools, a report by National Women’s Law Center
Primary Prevention of Human Trafficking Position Paper, by Oregon Sexual Assault Task Force
