The National Research Consortium on Mental Health in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MH-IDD) held their sixth annual meeting on October 16 at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD, which featured guest speakers from partner institutions across the country.
More than 35 researchers, policy makers, family members, self-advocates, and providers joined in to discuss the theme of this year's conference, "Inclusive Practices and Positive Approaches in IDD Research.”
Dr. Joan Beasley, Research Professor and Director of the National Research Consortium on MH-IDD, opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of building a community that values diversity and inclusivity in research.
“By definition, a ‘consortium’ is a group formed to undertake a mission or goal beyond the capacity of any one member,” Dr. Beasley said. “This year’s meeting truly reflected the value of a consortium. The presentations and participation in the NRC meeting were inclusive, meaningful and informative.”
Kicking off the meeting was Professor Tawara Goode, Director of the National Center for Cultural Competence at Georgetown University, who led an engaging opening exercise. Her session highlighted the critical need to consider cultural factors when designing and implementing research in the field of mental health and IDD.
The first presentation, "Elevating Strengths to Build Inclusive Systems of Supports," was delivered by Austin Myers, communications specialist and self-advocate from the University of Kansas and Dr. Karrie Shogren, Director of the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities. They presented strategies for developing inclusive support systems that leverage the strengths of individuals with IDD.
In addition, Dr. Susan Havercamp, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and Dr. Marc J. Tassé, Director of the Nisonger Center from The Ohio State University presented their ongoing research. Their study, titled "Including Self-Reported Behavioral Health Symptoms from Adults with ID in Estimating the Point Prevalence of Comorbidity," focuses on the importance of capturing self-reported data from individuals with IDD to better understand the prevalence of mental health conditions.
The next presentation of the day, "Importance of Research Participation to Self-Advocacy," was given by Melanie Hecker, MPA, self-advocate from New York, and Dr. Jessica Kramer, Associate Professor from the University of Florida. They underscored the role of research participation as a powerful tool for self-advocacy, empowering individuals with IDD to have a voice in the research that impacts their lives.
Dr. Andrea Caoili and Dr. Karen Weigle, Director of Research and Quality Assurance and Associate Director, respectively, of the National Center for START Services®, provided a talk on the NRC funded pilot of Beat It: A Behavioral Activation Intervention for People with intellectual Disabilities and Low Mood.
A highlight of the NRC meeting is the review of newly funded NRC Innovation in Research projects.
The following was presented:
- Determining the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of an Online, Self-guided, Single-Session ACT Program to Improve Quality of Life for Autistic Adults Experiencing Mental Health Concerns – Ty Aller, PhD, Utah State University
- Promoting Self-Determination Using Psychotherapy – Richard Chapman, PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Survey of Psychological Training in Autism and Intellectual Disability - Amy Keefer, PhD Kennedy Krieger Institute
- Promoting postpartum mental health for women with IDD: A strengths-based contextual study – Miriam Heyman, PhD, & Anne Valentine, PhD, Brandeis University
The NRC annual meeting brought together a diverse group of experts, researchers, and advocates dedicated to improving mental health outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Attendees left with a renewed commitment to creating inclusive, strength-based research that reflects the lived experiences of people with IDD.
