Integrated healthcare provides an all-inclusive approach to treating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Integrating multiple systems of care for individuals with IDD across the lifespan permits making adjustments to diagnosis and treating physical and behavioral health needs. This module teaches health care practitioners about the benefits of an active interdisciplinary team approach.

Providing quality healthcare for people with IDD depends on effective communication skills to articulate, identify and assess medical issues and healthcare needs. Effective communication goes beyond simply talking with a person and includes understanding an individual’s behavior. In this module, practitioners will learn techniques to facilitate improved communication with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including recognizing challenging behavior as a form of communication. As a result of improved communication skills, practitioners will be better equipped to accurately diagnose and develop effective treatment plans.

Trauma is a major catalyst of mental health needs for individuals with IDD but is often overlooked due to diagnostic overshadowing. This module informs health care practitioners about the incidence of trauma, risk factors for individuals with IDD, and challenges these individuals have with reporting abuse. Participating in this training will help providers more effectively interact with people who have IDD and have experienced trauma. Taking a trauma informed approach should be foundational in providing healthcare to individuals with IDD.