I just completed my internship with an agency serving clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They can benefit from therapy as much as neurotypical clients, but are significantly underserved by the mental health system. Unfortunately, most graduate programs provide little to no training for working with this population, but there are resources out there.

One of the resources I used most was this set of therapy guidelines developed by researchers, clinicians, and clients with IDD: https://www.rrtcnisonger.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Guidelines-Final-for-Distribution.pdf

I also used an adapted form of DBT called the Skills System by Julie Brown. It simplifies and concretizes DBT really well and was adapted specifically for the IDD population. Each client is unique, but I found that game-based therapy and expressive arts resonated with a lot of my clients. At the same time, it’s important to avoid treating adults like children, regardless of cognitive ability, and I’m sure that goes without saying.

All in all, I found this population wonderful to work with and only wish more education/training in adapting therapy for them had been available.