IDD/Neurodiversity

This course for behavioral health providers offers a deep dive into the unique needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), focusing on mitigating diagnostic overshadowing. Central to the course is an examination of diagnostic overshadowing; participants will explore its definition and multifaceted concerns. Participants will learn about the complexities that hinder accurate diagnoses and tailored interventions, such as gatekeeping tendencies and barriers to accessing healthcare. By exploring co-occurring diagnoses, we will analyze essential definitions and considerations that are crucial for accurate assessment and intervention planning, laying the groundwork for nuanced care provision.

Delving into assessment considerations will equip you with practical strategies for navigating the complex diagnostic landscape for individuals with I/DD. By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of I/DD care, reduce diagnostic overshadowing, and provide holistic, culturally sensitive support to individuals with I/DD, ultimately enhancing your capacity to deliver effective, person-centered care.

1 in 36 individuals in the U.S. is autistic. This course is designed to provide knowledge and skill development for individuals working with neurodivergent clients. It covers common characteristics of autistic individuals with average to above-average cognitive abilities and risk factors, including associated medical concerns and suicide.

Additionally, treatment, research, and cultural considerations are discussed to develop cultural competency skills when serving this population group.

One in 36 individuals in the U.S. is autistic. This course is designed to provide knowledge and skill development for healthcare providers working with neurodivergent patients. It covers common characteristics of autistic individuals with average to above-average cognitive abilities, as well as risk factors such as associated medical concerns and suicide. Additionally, treatment, research, and cultural considerations are discussed. This course will help providers develop the cultural competency skills needed to care for this population.

This course focuses on working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). It will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to understand and support this population effectively. The course covers a variety of topics that are relevant to I/DD, providing a comprehensive understanding of the unique behavioral health challenges that individuals with I/DD face. 

You will gain insights into the specific behavioral, emotional, social, and medical challenges individuals with I/DD may experience and how these challenges can manifest in various settings. You will see that medical conditions are often at the core of challenging behavior in individuals with I/DD.

Furthermore, the course will emphasize the importance of person-centered approaches and individualized care when working with individuals with I/DD. You will explore strategies for establishing rapport, building trust, and effectively communicating with individuals with communication difficulties. Collaboration with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams will be crucial to supporting individuals with I/DD. You will understand the importance of involving family members and caregivers in the treatment process and collaborating across Colorado's system of care. 

Completing this course will enhance your ability to provide compassionate and effective support for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, promoting their behavioral health and overall well-being.

Welcome to Understanding Decision-Making Options, presented by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing.

This course provides an overview of the legal and practical aspects surrounding decision-making options for individuals with disabilities. It specifically focuses on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are more often placed under restrictive decision-making arrangements.

This course begins with a historical perspective to highlight the importance of advocating for individuals' rights to make their own decisions. We will then explore various decision-making options, including guardianship and supported decision-making, to provide you with a thorough understanding of their purposes and implications. Finally, we will cover best practices for evaluating decision-making capacity, providing you with guidance to conduct assessments that respect the individual's autonomy and serve their best interests.