Intellectual Disability and Developmental Risk: Promoting Intervention to Improve Child and Family Well‐Being

Abstract

Initial intervention processes for children with intellectual disabilities (IDs) largely focused on direct efforts to impact core cognitive and academic deficits associated with the diagnosis. Recent research on risk processes in families of children with ID, however, has influenced new developmental system approaches to early intervention. Recent risk and resilience processes are reviewed that connect stress, family process, and the high rates of behavioral problems in children with ID that have substantial influence on child and family outcomes. These models are linked to emerging evidence-based intervention processes that focus on strategic parent skill training and mindfulness interventions that reduce parental stress and create indirect benefits for children's behavioral competencies. A family-focused developmental systems approach (M. J. Guralnick, 2011) is emphasized.

Collateral Effects of Youth Disruptive Behavior Disorders on Mothers’ Psychological Distress: Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, or Typical Development

“…While ASD interventions are focused primarily on the youth, the present study, and others documenting parents' increased stress in the presence of disability and/or behavior disorders, support the value of interventions also focused on parents' coping and well-being (Karst and Van Hecke 2012). Some recent interventions have involved cognitive restructuring, relaxation training, or mindfulness education to promote a change in parents' outlook or perspective in youth adolescence (Crnic et al 2017;Singh et al 2014). Others involve parents and youth together.…”

The Likely Impact of Congenital Zika Syndrome on Families: Considerations for Family Supports and Services

“…Recent reviews make it clear that stress is a pervasive problem for almost all families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 27,28 Families of children with medical complexity, such as is the case of children with classic CZS, are at even greater risk for extreme levels of stress and caregiving burdens. 10 The cumulative effect of these and other factors creates elevated risk for a variety of adverse mental health outcomes for families (anxiety, depression, stress, anger, and fatigue), all of which can affect parents' emotional well-being and ultimately have a debilitating effect on hope, optimism, physical health, and quality of life.…”

Doença crônica infantojuvenil: vínculo profissional-família para a promoção do apoio social

“…Only a strong bond between the team and the family can open up ways to offer the needed support. Accordingly, one study (20) evidences the relevance of family-centered actions and of parental interventions to aid the family in developing competence and abilities in care, which contributes to reduced parental stress and improved well-being.…”