Persons with developmental disabilities may benefit from a variety of interventions in the treatment of intrapsychic trauma after exposure to interpersonal violence and crime.

Interpersonal violence such as sexual assault creates a variety of traumatic responses. Adolescents encounter a significantly high rate of exposure to sexual assault. In the aftermath of sexual assault, issues and dynamics related to traumatic responses include ongoing fear and threats to personal safety, stability, and structure of the family and environment. Each issue is of concern for community and health care practitioners. Sexual assault has a detrimental effect on adolescent intrapsychic development and interpersonal relationships. Symptoms are disturbing and disruptive to daily routines, negatively affect adolescent normal growth and development, and can result in post-traumatic stress disorder. Issues and dynamics regarding sexual assault are explored, with suggestions on how to help adolescents avoid developing a negative world view and long-term negative health consequences.

A greater understanding of how developmentally disabled people cope with loss and bereavement is needed to improve assessment and intervention for these individuals. Misconceptions exist about how effectively developmentally disabled persons can articulate their perceptions and feelings about traumatic experiences, death, and the subsequent impact of the events that follow. The lived experience and expression of grief may differ for the developmentally disabled population. As a result, their reactions may not be adequately recognized, interpreted, or managed therapeutically, compounding their distress. Three case reports of developmentally disabled individuals who experienced a loss are presented, along with helpful guidelines regarding assessment and intervention.

This article is part of a supplement entitled The Behavioral Health Workforce: Planning, Practice, and Preparation, which is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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