Individuals with IDD (intellectual or developmental disabilities) are disproportionately likely to be victims of abuse. However, many mental health clinicians may not be familiar with various IDD-specific ways that abuse can occur or how abuse can compound with ableism. This video aims to be a resource for mental health clinicians and discusses the following:

1.) Indicators of abuse that are particularly relevant for people with IDD

2.) Barriers that people with IDD face when trying to seek support or respectful mental healthcare (and what clinicians can do to remove these barriers)

3.) (A brief overview of) some steps that can be taken to support patients with IDD who are experiencing relationship abuse.

References:

Wellbeing Plan for Autistic Adults

Meeting the Needs of Autistic Survivors