Promoting psychological well-being of people with severe to moderate intellectual disabilities

Treatment of psychological and behavioural problems

Research shows that nearly 40 percent of all adolescents and adults with intellect disabilities have mental or behavioural problems. This vulnerability appears to be even higher among people with visual and intellectual disabilities. Examples include: problems as a result of a trauma; mood problems such as depression; (separation) anxiety complaints; grief processing problems, problems in processing loss experiences and/or acceptance problems; attachment problems; emotional problems such as low self-esteem or insufficient coping skills. The good news is that treatment is possible.

Treatment of psychiatric problems is aimed at recovery and/or adequate coping. By offering treatment, more intensive care and guidance facilities for these clients can be prevented, out-of-home placement can be avoided and daytime activities/work can be maintained. There are different forms of treatment besides talk therapy, such as approaches based on music, art, dance and drama, and psychomotor therapy. For serious attachment problems, there are also highly specialized forms of treatment such as ‘Attachment Therapy’. This form of treatment helps to stimulate the emotional and social well-being of people with psychological problems and with severe to moderate intellectual disabilities.

International symposium

Dutch and German scientists and practitioners will speak at this symposium. Scientific knowledge is regularly exchanged within the framework of the EAMHID. The organisation thought it would be an interesting idea to share this knowledge and practical experience with a wider audience. Due to the international character of the symposium, the lectures will be in English.

Choice between online or physical participation

At this symposium you may choose whether you want to participate on location or online. The Audio Utrecht company will ensure that the symposium is recorded professionally. If you participate online you will need a fast internet connection and a laptop/desktop with speakers and microphone. We will be using Zoom during the symposium.

If you want to participate online, please tick this on your registration form. Register via this link

This symposium is organised in cooperation with:

Content

This symposium will cover:

– The prevalence of mental health problems in people with moderate to severe intellectual disability with and without visual impairment:
– Treatment of attachment problems;
– Using a social-emotional approach
– The application and evidence of creative arts therapies to address the needs of people with impaired speech and sensory issues on a non-verbal, experience-based level;
– How different treatment forms are used in practice for people with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities.

Preparation and study load

The symposium can be followed without preparation.

The study load consists of the number of contact hours; the number of contact hours is six.