Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger Passes...

Dr Wolf Wolfensberger passed away Feb 27th, 2011.  He is best known for his connection with Social Role Valorization, the idea that living a life worth living includes fulfilling social roles in one’s own community. In the 1960′s and 1970′s he was an advocate for normalization and de-institutionalization for individuals with intellectual disabilities.  His work for advocacy to develop access to meaningful...

March is Developmental Disabilities month: 2011...

As readers of this blog know, developmental disabilities / intellectual disabilities (DD/ID) advocacy and celebration is important to AdultSpan Counseling. March is a great time to reflect on how people with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities enrich our lives.  In the 1960’s people with developmental disabilities were hidden away in institutions.  In the 1970’s the community living movement gained traction. ...

Nebraska ranked 39th for Support of Persons with D...

A comprehensive report by Terran Bragdon through United Cerebral Palsy and posted on Disability Scoop ranking states for inclusion and quality of care criteria received by persons with intellectual disabilities shows good news… compared to 2009, Nebraska jumped 5 states. Bad news… that just barely gets us out of the bottom 10. Here’s the skinny. Nebraska is 33rd in the nation with 75% percent of DD/ID resources...

Diabetes and Depression...

According to disabilityscoop.com people with developmental/intellectual disabilities (DD/ID) tend to have health insurance but continue to have high rates of preventable diseases including diabetes. The American Diabetes Association identifies that rates of depression are higher among diabetics compared to the general population. Another article from Medscape.com notes that the risk of mortality doubles when diabetics are...

Counseling for ID/DD as a Least Restrictive Altern...

When supporting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities with challenging behavior, the intervention should have a risk/benefit assessment that considers what interventions are… Least restrictive to their rights Most effective Least risk to their health Person specific (centered) Teach new skills that serve the same purpose (function) Often it seems that counseling is the option of last resort for many...

DSM V to remove the “R” word in favor ...

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders is coming out with it’s latest revision – the DSM V.  While one can ride the fence on many of the various changes to how mental illnesses are diagnosed, one unequivocally positive change is that the “R” word (retarded) has been finally removed as a medically endorsed diagnosis. In its place is now “intellectual disability” which...

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympic...

AdultSpan Counseling recognizes the passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics and intellectual disabilities advocate. Clip from NYT article: President Barack Obama said Shriver will be remembered as ”as a champion for people with intellectual disabilities, and as an extraordinary woman who, as much as anyone, taught our nation — and our world — that no physical or mental barrier can...

Intellectual Disabilities, Sex & Mental Healt...

On July 17th I had the opportunity to attend the workshop “Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality” by Terri Couwenhoven, parent to a child with Down Syndrome and certified sexuality educator. Take away points from the training were 1. Sexuality is more than about sex. Intimacy, privacy, and self protection are crucial information for people with intellectual disabilities. ...

Talk Therapy Modifications for Developmental Disab...

Part I considered modifications in communication, the pace of therapy and using paid caregivers to extend the therapeutic process. Part II looks at modifications to talk therapy to reduce complexity, working with caregivers, and the therapeutic alliance. First, reduce complexity. While it may help some persons to understand their old thinking, often persons with ID/DD simply could use another, more empowered, point of view....

Talk Therapy Modifications for Developmental Disab...

Many professionals are still skeptical about the use of psychotherapy in the treatment of persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities (ID/DD). There are assumptions that talk therapy would be a waste of time because the patient would lack the skills necessary to make use of talk therapy. These same professionals, however, would likely be in favor of psychotherapy for children and teens with similar limitations in...