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Happy Holidays
Warmest holiday wishes from the staff at the National Center for START Services
to the entire START Network!
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A message from NCSS Executive Director Pam Flaherty
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Welcome New Employees
The National Center for START Services hired several new employees in 2022. We look forward to another great year of serving the START Network!
- Felicia Bates, Project Manager
- Jen Boisvert, Senior Program Support Assistant
- Jackie Drake, Marketing and Promotions Manager
- Pam Flaherty, Executive Director
- Shweta Goel, Accounts Receivable
- Nicole Peace, Senior Program Support Assistant
- Janie Poncelet, Research Assistant
- Ginny Reding, Quality Assurance/SIRS Specialist
- Alyse Scura, Project Development Lead
- Caitlyn Veenstra, Training Coordinator
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Integrated mental health treatment guidelines for prescribers
in intellectual and developmental disabilities
Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities
Abstract: Few healthcare providers receive guidance on the unique needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental healthcare needs. Our aim was to develop a tool for health care providers to use as a guide to address the complex needs of this patient population. The development of the Integrated Mental Health Treatment Guidelines for Prescribers in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities consisted of five steps: focus groups, draft of the guidelines, evaluation of the guidelines, finalization, and dissemination of the guidelines. The focus groups revealed themes in five domains: (1) relationships, communication, and openness; (2) understanding the person, their environment, and culture; (3) importance of an integrated care and wellness approach; (4) consideration of treatment modifications; (5) recommendations from focus group participants regarding the guidelines. These focus groups informed the development of the guidelines. Forty-three prescribers evaluated the guidelines noting multiple strengths and some recommendations. Based on this feedback the guidelines were modified as needed, finalized, and disseminated. This paper describes the development of the Integrated Mental Health Treatment Guidelines for Prescribers in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. An evidence-informed, easy-to-use, web-based guide with links to best practice resources. These guidelines incorporate integrated health, other mental health approaches, and the input of patients.
Caoili, A., Hecker, M., Klick, S., McLaren, J., Beasley, J., & Barnhill, J. (2022). Integrated mental health treatment guidelines for prescribers in intellectual and developmental disabilities. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 1-13. DOI
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Training & Professional Development
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The 2023 START National Training Institute will take place from May 1-3, 2023 in Austin, Texas. This year's theme is "Building Connections & Activating Strengths: 35 Years of START." Registration will open in January 2023. We can't wait to see you in Austin!
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Positive-Interactive-Behavioral Therapy (P-IBT):
5-Day Training Course in New Hampshire
March 13-17, 2023
This 30-hour week-long in-person course will provide attendees with the skills and tools needed to facilitate P-IBT sessions within their own practice settings. A multi-modal instruction approach includes didactic lectures, group discussion, demonstrations, and experiential learning through expressive writing and role-playing. All interested professionals are welcome; no credentials required. A wide variety of continuing education credits are offered. Space is limited and advance registration is advised.
Watch this 3-minute video to learn why P-IBT is an invaluable tool for the toolbox of all professionals (not just therapists!)
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Dan Tomasulo, PhD, TEP, MFA, MAPP
Teachers College, Columbia University
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Suicide Screening for People with ASD-IDD/MH
Training for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Counselors
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This online, asynchronous (on-demand) training enables 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline screeners/counselors to provide improved support and assistance to people with intellectual/ developmental disabilities (including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD) and mental health needs who contact the Lifeline seeking help.
While originally designed for 988 counselors, it is highly relevant for any professional who is interested in learning more about providing support and assistance to people with ASD-IDD/MH in crisis.
The objectives of this short training are:
- Describe at least five (5) key factors related to the prevalence, signs & symptoms of suicidality amongst people with ASD-IDD
- Utilize skills and approaches outlined within presentations to effectively engage with people with ASD-IDD who contact the 988 lifeline
- Identify and describe suicide screening tools that can be utilized when engaging with people with ASD-IDD
Upon registering you will immediately receive an email with all course links and information necessary to complete the entire training at your own pace.
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IDD-MH Professional Development Series
Registration for Spring 2023 Now Open!
The IDD-MH Professional Development Series is designed to build expertise in professionals through evidence-based instruction and best practices. These courses are targeted to specific roles within human service delivery to enhance the ability to provide effective services for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health needs. The target audience includes Director Support Professionals, Care Coordinators/Managers, and Mobile Crisis Responders. All courses consist of six live webinar sessions facilitated weekly via Zoom (exact dates provided during registration). Watch out for more communications in the future!
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National Research Consortium
Request for Research Project Proposals
The National Research Consortium on Mental Health in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MH-IDD) is seeking innovation research grant applicants with a focus on improving the health and well-being of individuals with MH-IDD service needs. The application must clearly articulate how the project meets the National Research Consortium's mission. The National Research Consortium prioritizes four areas of grant funding:
- Expanding the use of positive psychological methods;
- Developing and scaling evidenced-based interventions;
- Expanding capacity and reducing service disparities; and
- Revising and/or developing accessible measures.
Additional information about the National Research Consortium can be found on our website. This year, the National Research Consortium will prioritize applications that also address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities.
The National Research Consortium will fund grants up to $35,000. Applications that request less funds are welcome. Applications require an institutional match, often represented as coverage of effort/salary. For other information about grant requirements, please visit the National Research Consortium webpage. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
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News & Views will resume on January 3, 2023.
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Have a healthy and happy week,
National Center for START Services
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