Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is an approach that recognizes the unique ways trauma can impact people with IDD. It emphasizes understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma while considering the specific needs and vulnerabilities of people with IDD. TIC creates a safe and supportive environment, promotes empowerment, and avoids re-traumatization by ensuring that services are tailored to the individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral needs. The approach involves collaboration across caregivers, professionals, and the community to foster resilience and healing.
Video: Trauma Informed Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
This video developed by the Illinois NTI gives a brief introduction to trauma informed care, covering the following learning objectives:
- Identify the 6 Principles of a Trauma Informed Approach, as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA)
- Define trauma informed care
- Identify why people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at higher risk for trauma
- Recognize the effects of trauma on people’s behavior, lives, and wellbeing
This 20-minute video training was developed by the Illinois NTI to support family caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health conditions in creating trauma-informed environments for their family members.
A Guide for Providers on Supporting Families to Create Trauma-Informed Environments
This guide was developed by the Illinois NTI for providers of people with intellectual disabilities and dual diagnosis. It covers some steps for informing families about a trauma-informed approach and how to create trauma-informed environments for their loved ones. It covers key tips for this process including:
- Making training accessible
- Being sensitive to families’ needs
- Acting as partners, and
- Emphasizing trauma-informed environments as a supplement to other types of treatment
Dr. Karyn Harvey’s website offers free resources as well as information about Harvey’s published works published works, including her books on positive identity development and trauma-informed behavioral interventions For people with intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Additionally, the website details the various services Dr. Harvey provides, such as direct onsite training, keynote speaking, webinars, and more, both virtually and in-person.
Exploring Recovery: Futures of Trauma-Informed Care
This toolkit from the National Institute of Health and All of Us campaign covers the topic of trauma-informed care. The All of Us campaign is helping to improve mental health and substance use recovery research.
BETA Illinois Dual Diagnosis Training Initiative 