Feasibility of a Peer-Mentoring Intervention for Young Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

Abstract

Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. Peer mentoring (PM) is an evidence-based approach that may support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions (YA-IDD-MH) to cope with MH challenges. Feasibility testing of PM suggested that YA-IDD-MH learned, enjoyed PM, and had increased self-efficacy for managing emotions, but smaller changes in MH symptoms, suggesting a longer intervention period, may be needed. OTs may utilize peer-delivered interventions as a client-centered approach to support YA-IDD-MH. Primary Author and Speaker: Ariel E. Schwartz Additional Authors and Speakers: Tara Loeper Contributing Authors: Melissa Levin