Managing Risk in Suicidal Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Managing Risk in Suicidal Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

This course aims to equip behavior analysts with the necessary skills and knowledge to assess and manage suicidal behaviors in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). With a focus on understanding the unique risk factors and challenges faced by this population, participants will learn effective prevention strategies and intervention techniques to address suicidality within their professional practice.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the terminology and concepts related to suicidality.
• Recognize the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal behaviors in individuals with ID/DD.
• Identify and address the unique challenges in assessing and managing suicidality in this population.
• Implement effective prevention strategies and interventions.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Terminology and Concepts:
   • Definitions of suicidal ideation, passive and active ideation, and suicide contagion.
   • Understanding means, intent, and the impact of suicide contagion.
2. Prevalence and Risk Factors:
   • Statistics on suicide rates and risk factors in individuals with ID/DD.
   • Common myths and misconceptions about suicidality in this population.
3. Challenges in Assessment and Management:
   • Lack of screening tools for the ID/DD population.
   • Common setting events and precursor behaviors indicating risk.
4. Prevention and Intervention:
   • Effective communication strategies for discussing suicidality.
   • Steps to take if someone is at risk, including removing means and providing support.
   • Addressing motivational operations and reinforcing appropriate behaviors.

Course Highlights:

• Literature review on suicide in ID/DD populations.
• CDC facts and statistics on suicidality.
• Behavioral signs and symptoms of depression in individuals with ID/DD.
• Case studies and real-life examples.
• 1.5 BACB CEUs provided upon completion.

This course provides essential training for behavior analysts to enhance their competence in managing and preventing suicidal behaviors in a vulnerable and often overlooked population. Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies to integrate into their practice, ensuring they are well-prepared to support individuals with ID/DD in times of crisis.