The National Research Consortium on MH-IDD is comprised of people with lived experiences (including self-advocates and family members), caregivers, trainees, researchers, policy experts, and clinicians from over 30 organizations across the United States, including several UCEDDs, medical schools, state health departments, and service providers.
Partnering with research partners in the prioritization, development, and dissemination of best-practice research will allow us to improve the quality of care delivered to those with IDD across the country. The Consortium aims to promote equity and inclusion by building a national community of practice and international partnerships. This work creates a vehicle for information dissemination, training resources, and peer-reviewed publications on factors that contribute to mental wellness for persons with IDD-MH.
Research Priorities
The research agenda for the Consortium was set by the NRC Board. The current priority areas of research are:
- the application of positive psychological methods;
- the development of evidenced-based inclusive interventions;
- building capacity to reduce service disparities; and
- implementation of accessible measures.
The NRC emphasizes and prioritizes inclusive and strength-based research methodologies.
Publications from NRC Partners
Published
Aller, T. B., Barrett, T. S., Levin, M. E., McClain, M. B. (2022). Measuring psychological flexibility in autistic adults: The validity and reliability of the AAQ-II, BEAQ, and VQ. Journal of Contextual Behavior Science, 26, 125-133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.09.001
Aller, T. B., Kelley, H. H., Barret, T., Covington, B., Levin, M., & McClain, M. (2024). An examination of psychological flexibility as a mediator between mental health concerns and satisfaction with life among autistic adults. Autism in Adulthood. http://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2023.0143
Grosvenor, L.P., Errichetti, C.L., Holingue, C., Beasley, J.B., and Kalb, L.G. (2023). Self-Report Measurement of Well-Being in Autistic Adults: Psychometric Properties of the PERMA Profiler. Autism in Adulthood. Plain Language Overview.
Schwartz, A.E., Caoili, A., Beasley, J.B., Kramer, J.M., & Kalb, L.G. (2022). Clinical applications of the VIA Inventory of Strengths with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Journal of Positive Psychology. Doi: 10.1080/17439760.2022.2036797
Posters and Presentations
Aller, T. B., & Byers, R. (2023, Dec. 13-15). Strengths-based mental health services for adults on the autism spectrum. [Conference Presentation]. National Alliance on the Dually Diagnosed, Nashville, TN, United States.
Edmonson, C., Monahan, J., Freedman, B., Singh, V., & Kalb, L. (2022). Psychological Symptoms of College Autistic. Postsecondary Training Institute. University of Connecticut.
Grosvenor, L., Hood-Bey, C., Beasley, J., Holingue, C., Errichetti, C., McLaren, J., & Kalb, L. (2022). Psychometric properties of the PERMA Profiler in autistic adults. INSAR; Austin, TX.
Monahan, J., Freedman, B., Singh, V., & Kalb, L. (2022) Validating the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms for Autistic Adults: A Step Towards Better Understanding of Mental Health. INSAR; Austin, TX.
Under Review
Kelley, H. K. & Aller, T. B. (2023). Transcendent spirituality and psychological flexibility amongst autistic adults [Manuscript submitted for publication]. Institute for Disability Research, Policy and Practice. Utah State University, Logan, UT.
Aller, T. B., Kelley, H. H., Covington, B., Barrett, T. S., Levin, M. E., & McClain, M. B. (2023). An examination of the protective effect of psychological flexibility among autistic adults experiencing psychological distress [Manuscript submitted for publication]. Institute for Disability Research, Policy, and Practice. Utah State University, Logan, UT. (Pre-Reg: https://osf.io/8tc4s)
