Featured Resource
On this page, you will find resources on better understanding trauma for individuals with I/DD, brain injuries, or other cognitive disabilities and a mental health condition — focusing on creating safe, restorative environments and healthy relationships. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, youth with I/DD are at increased risk for physical and sexual abuse, restraint, seclusion, and emotional neglect — all of which can result in trauma. Additionally, people with I/DD may experience trauma because of chronic medical conditions that result in invasive procedures. Trauma-informed practices are, therefore, pivotal to the work of The Link Center.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy for People With Developmental Disabilities— Webinar (44:33) on trauma in people with I/DD, showing benefits of trauma-focused therapy, and practical, compassionate adaptations of cognitive behavioral therapy (University of California Television, 2024)
- Managing Triggers— Video (4:54) explaining why it is important to check in with people who may be experiencing a difficult time in a neutral manner, asking inviting questions inviting and listening carefully (The Link Center, 2024)
- Stressful Life Events Among Children Aged 5–17 Years by Disability Status: United States, 2019— Data brief demonstrating how compared to children without disabilities, children with disabilities are more likely to face multiple stressful life events (Ullmann, Weeks, and Madans, 2022)
- Trauma in the MH and IDD Population (Video)— Webinar (48:56) covering sources, prevalence, impact, and strategies to address trauma experienced by people with I/DD (North Carolina Complex MH/IDD Resources, NADD, North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, University of North Carolina School of Social Work Behavioral Health Springboard, 2019)
- Trauma in Youth With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Video)— Video (14:29) that discusses the prevalence of trauma in youth with I/DD and the mental health implications for youth with a dual diagnosis and provides suggestions for trauma-informed practices (Project TEDD: Educators in Dual Diagnosis and Brian Tallant, 2021)
- Trauma-Informed Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: From Disparity to Policies for Effective Action— Article that describes how the health disparities and high risk of exposure to traumatic events that people with intellectual disabilities experience are often overlooked (Houck and Dracobly, 2022)
- Tips to Manage Triggers— Worksheet that provides a way for people at risk of being triggered to describe, for their own use, the major factors to consider when trying to better understand their own triggers (The Link Center, 2024)
- Trauma and Ableism as Social Determinants of Health for People With IDD (Video)— Webinar (1:03:42) that examines ableism as a social determinant of health and includes discussion of multisectoral approaches to dismantle structural and systemic discrimination for people with I/DD (HealthMatters Program, 2023)
- Addressing Trauma in Individuals with IDD— Blog that discusses key elements of a trauma-informed care framework (Relias, 2020)
- Trauma & Individuals with IDD (Video)— Video (1:03:30) in which Dr. Karyn Harvey explores the sources of trauma in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, the biological and psychological effects of trauma, and healing (AADMD Virtual Grand Rounds, 2020)
- Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach— Paper that discusses a working concept of trauma, a trauma-informed approach, and a way to develop a shared understanding of these concepts across various service systems and stakeholder groups (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014)
- Translating Trauma Informed Care Principles into Practice (with a focus on dual diagnosis and complex behavior)— Webinar (3:42:48) that covers trauma-informed principles, vicarious trauma, and self-care (Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, 2022)
- Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Can Experience Traumatic Stress: A Fact Sheet for Parents and Caregivers— Fact sheet that addresses the intersection of I/DD, trauma, and mental wellness; why children with I/DD are at higher risk for trauma exposure and how they experience traumatic stress; and how trauma service providers can partner with parents and caregivers (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2021)
Books & Materials Requiring Purchase
- Trauma and Healing in the Lives of People With Intellectual Disability (Karyn Harvey, 2023)