Intellectual &

Developmental
Disabilities
Mikala
Krista
Jennifer

Intellectual and Developmental

Disabilities (IDD)
Intellectual disability - significant limitations both in
intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, including
everyday social and practical skills.
Developmental disability - severe chronic disability that
can be cognitive or physical or both.

History in California
1965- 13,500 diagnosed with mental retardation lived in
4 overcrowded state hospitals
1972- 7 regional centers across the state
1976- CP, epilepsy, autism, and other neurologic
handicaps included in care
1979- Hospital census declined due to regional centers

Population
The California Department of Developmental Services
care recipients:
- 216,000 children and adults
- 29,000 infants
Valley Mountain Regional Center:
- San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Calaveras, and
Amador Counties
- Population: 11,200

Language

Can be any language

Speech Pathologist
Pronunciations
Difficult vocalizing feelings

Education
Resource
Special Day
Certificate vs. Diploma

Diet
Obesity rate = higher than general
population

Food preparation & safety

Family & Gender Roles

All family members
involved in care
Will need care
throughout life
Conservatorship
http://www.contracostati
mes.com/bay-areanews/ci_14383133

Domestic Violence
Women with IDD more likely to suffer domestic violence
and sexual assault
Report abuse that last longer and more intense
Perpetrator most likely partner, caregiver, health
provider or family member
Play mind games
83% females, 32% males with IDD have experienced
sexual assault
49% of victims will experience abuse 10+ times

Substance Abuse
2.6% of people with IDD also have a
diagnosable substance abuse disorder.

Traditional treatment models werent

developed with IDD needs in mind.

Religion & Spirituality

Spirituality is a source of belief, hope and
purpose
Used by some to cope with diagnoses, life
circumstances and family dynamics
New Life Christian Center

Health Care
Compared to the general population, women
with ID are 75% less likely to get Pap
Smears and 35% less likely to get
Mammograms

Wellness, Illness, & Disabilities

Wellness should be celebrated
Disability is a way of life
Preventing illness is key

Example of Health Care Team

Pediatrician
Dentist
Orthodontist
Optometrist
Ophthalmologist
Dermatologist
Dietician/Nutritionist
Podiatrist

Endocrinologist
Geneticist
Neurologist
Cardiologist
General Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial
surgeons
Otolaryngologist

Alternative or Herbal Medicine

Complementary & Alternative
Medicine=CAM
Controversy over safety and effectiveness
for which they are used
Word of Mouth
Ex: acupuncture, music therapy, yoga,
adeli suit, hippotherapy

Nursing Interventions

Respect patients and families

Understand patients developmental capabilities
Advocate for equal access to healthcare
Advocate for accessibility in the community
Manage ethical and legal issues
Understand and promote specialized resources
Plan individualized patient centered care with the patient's baseline in mind
Dont judge the family or patient based on the situation
Ask the same question different ways and understand the patient's
development capabilities and tailor care to them.

Resources
Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association:
http://ddna.org
American Association on Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities:
http://aaidd.org/
Valley Mountain Regional Center:
http://www.vmrc.net