Therapists and Counselors Course

Foundations I: Introduction to the Course & Overview of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Common Vulnerabilities

• Define intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including key characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Identify core biopsychosocial vulnerabilities commonly associated with IDD, such as differences in executive functioning, communication, and sensory processing.
• Recognize guiding values in working with people with IDD-MH

Foundations II: Perspective and Considerations

• Explain the principles of positive psychology and how they can be applied to support emotional wellbeing in people with IDD.
• Describe the concept of dignity of risk and supported decision making and its importance in promoting autonomy and meaningful life experiences.
• Discuss the role of self-determination in therapeutic settings and identify ways to ensure there is clear autonomy for the person to make choices and direct their own care.

Foundations III: Mental Health Aspects of IDD

• Identify common signs and symptoms of mental health conditions as they may present in people with IDD.
• Explain the importance of using a biopsychosocial perspective
• Analyze how core vulnerabilities associated with IDD—such as challenges in executive functioning, communication, and sensory processing—can influence mental health presentation and diagnosis.

Foundations IV: Mental Health Aspects of IDD

• Describe how common mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and trauma, may present in people with IDD.
• Recognize variations in emotional regulation among people with IDD and identify strategies to support emotional recognition, expression, and coping.
• Apply knowledge of mental health diagnoses to better understand a person’s presentation and inform therapeutic approaches tailored to their unique needs.

Ethical Decision Making

• Identify common ethical challenges that may arise when working with people with IDD in therapy
• Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to navigate complex clinical situations while upholding professional standards and respecting a person’s autonomy.
• Examine how the principle of dignity of risk informs ethical practice, including balancing safety with the right to choice, independence, and personal growth.

Practice Guidelines

• Identify and summarize established clinical practice guidelines relevant to providing mental health care for people with IDD.
• Understand the rationale behind these guidelines and how they support ethical, person-centered, and effective care.
• Apply these guidelines in clinical decision-making to ensure consistent, evidence-based, and inclusive therapeutic practices.

Therapeutic Interventions I

• Identify key considerations for adapting therapeutic interventions to meet the diverse needs of people with IDD.
• Apply trauma-informed care principles in practice, with a focus on fostering resilience and psychological safety.
• Integrate wellness-based approaches, including the PERMA+ framework, to enhance quality of life.

Therapeutic Interventions II

• Explore general adaptations for therapeutic interactions and practice
• Describe examples of adaptations to specific evidence-based practices—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and EMDR—to effectively meet the needs of people with IDD.
• Evaluate how these adapted interventions can promote emotional wellbeing and positive therapeutic outcomes.
• Reflect on personal learning throughout the course and collaboratively develop an action plan to integrate knowledge and skills into their clinical practice.